Thermal conditioning systems and methods for vehicle regions

ABSTRACT

Features for a vapor compression system configured to cool and/or cat (i.e. thermally condition) two or more distinct climate controlled vehicle interior components via a common thermal bus are disclosed. Some embodiments employ a single compressor. Some embodiments employ multiple compressors and/or thermal buses, each servicing components located within respective interior thermal zones of a vehicle, for example a front row seat zone, second and/or third row seat zones, and/or an overhead zone and/or a trunk zone.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/536,407, filed Jun. 15, 2017, which is a U.S. National PhaseApplication of PCT International Application Number PCT/US2015/066432,filed Dec. 17, 2015, designating the United States of America andpublished in the English language, which claims the benefit of priorityto U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/094,852, filed Dec. 19,2014, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/241,514, filedOct. 14, 2015, the entire disclosure of each of which is expresslyincorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes andforms a part of this specification.

BACKGROUND Field

This disclosure relates generally to thermal systems, in particular tovapor compression systems for heating and cooling components of avehicle.

Description of the Related Art

Thermal conditioning, i.e. heating and/or cooling, of components invehicles is desirable in many situations. In the cold climates, it isdesirable to have a warmed seat. In hot climates, it is desirable tohave cup holders that keep drinks cool. Various approaches to thermallyconditioning components within a vehicle are known One approach uses thevehicle's radiator to provide thermal conditioning to components in thevehicle. This approach requires complex configurations to route thethermal medium, such as air or liquid, to the various components withinthe interior of the vehicle. Other approaches use thermal electricdevices that are dedicated to a target device for conditioning. However,such devices have a limited power output and multiple devices may berequired to meet power requirements. Another approach uses largecompressors that are dedicated to the component they are conditioning.For example, some vehicles use a large compressor that is dedicated to asingle component and cools it by conduction. Such systems are bulky andare limited to servicing a single component. Further, such largecompressors are noisy and must be acoustically isolated, such as withsound proofing.

There is a need for systems for thermally conditioning vehiclecomponents that overcome the drawbacks of conventional approaches.Several embodiments of a system for thermally conditioning variouscomponents in a vehicle are described herein. The system is configuredto service the various components independently, at varying temperaturesand power demands, in cooperation with one or more similar or differentconvective and conductive conditioners. The thermally conditionedcomponents may be a seat, and thermal convenience components such as astorage bin, a cup holder, or may be other components in a vehicle. Thesystem includes a thermal bus having, in some embodiments, a single mainline for circulating a thermal medium, which may be a liquid or gas.

The thermal medium can be heated or cooled by a vapor compression systemthat has a miniature compressor, an evaporator and a condenser. Theminiature compressor may be any of a number of commercially availableminiature compressors, and it may be reciprocating, rotary screw,centrifugal, scroll, or others. In some embodiments, the miniaturecompressor may have an output from about 100-300 watts. In someembodiments, the miniature compressor may have an output of about 100watts. The miniature compression system can be relatively miniature,small, micro, or compact to fit into a desired/predetermined location,area, or compartment of a vehicle, such as for example, a centerconsole, dashboard, under a seat, etc. of the vehicle. In someembodiments, the miniature compressor has a size comparable to a twelveounce soda can.

The vapor compression system is in thermal communication with one ormore thermal regions within the vehicle. The miniature compressor mayhave variable speed control to vary the thermal energy provided to thethermal medium from the miniature vapor compression system. Forproviding cooling, the evaporator of the vapor compression system is inthermal communication with the thermal regions. For providing heating,the condenser of the vapor compression system is in thermalcommunication with the thermal regions. The thermal regions may eachinclude a heat transfer device (e.g., a heat exchanger) and thecomponent to be heated or cooled. Branches from the main line servicethe various regions and are configured to circulate the thermal mediumfrom a main line to the heat exchangers. The branches may each include aflow control device, such as a valve or pump, configured to regulate theflow of the thermal medium through the branch and thereby control thetemperature of the heat exchanger.

The thermal regions may include a fan (e.g., a fluid moving device sucha fluid flow control device, including a pump) configured to blow airover the heat exchanger in either an “open loop air” system, whereconditioned air is emitted from the component, or in a “closed loop air”system where the conditioned air is recirculated through the thermalregion. The thermal regions may also be conductive regions where theheat exchanger and the component contact each other such that thecomponent is thermally conditioned via conduction (e.g. the heatexchanger, such as for example a plate, is in substantially directthermal communication with the conditioned component). The system mayalso include a thermal battery coupled with the main line that providesthermal conditioning when the vapor compression system is not operating.These are merely some aspects of the disclosure, and further aspects anddetails are provided herein.

Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a thermal conditioningsystem for heating or cooling within a thermal zone of a vehicle. Thesystem can include the following a fluid circuit configured to circulatea first working fluid in the fluid circuit, a thermal energy source inthermal communication with the fluid circuit, the thermal energy sourceconfigured to heat or cool the first working fluid, a first conduit influid communication with the fluid circuit, the first conduit configuredto convey at least some of the first working fluid in the first conduit;a first heat transfer device in thermal communication with the firstconduit; a first component within the thermal zone of the vehicle, thefirst component in thermal communication with the first heat transferdevice, wherein the first heat transfer device heats or cools the firstcomponent via thermal energy transferred from or to the at least some ofthe first working fluid in the first conduit, a second conduit in fluidcommunication with the fluid circuit, the second conduit configured toconvey at least some of the first working fluid in the second conduit, asecond heat transfer device in thermal communication with the secondconduit; and a second component within the thermal zone of the vehicle,the second component in thermal communication with the second heattransfer dev ice, wherein the second near transfer device heats or coolsthe second component via thermal energy transferred from or to the atleast some of the first working fluid in the third conduit.

In some embodiments, the thermal conditioning system can include one ormore of the following: a third conduit in thermal communication with thefirst heat transfer device and the first component, wherein the firstheat transfer device transfers thermal energy between the first conduitand the third conduit; the third conduit is configured to convey asecond working fluid in the third conduit that is different than thefirst working fluid, the second working fluid heated or cooled viathermal energy transferred from or to the first working fluid in thefirst conduit by the first heat transfer device; the first working fluidcomprises a liquid and the second working fluid includes air; a fanconfigured to move the air in the third conduit; the fan blows airtoward the first component without recirculating the air to heat or coolthe first component; the first component comprises a first one of aseat, a cup holder, and a bin of the vehicle; the third conduit isconfigured to recirculate the air in the third conduit, the fan movesthe air in the second conduit to heat or cool the first component; thefirst component includes an enclosure; the third conduit is configuredto recirculate the air between the enclosure and the first heat transferdevice; the first component comprises an enclosure, and the thirdconduit is configured to recirculate the air within the enclosure; thesecond conduit includes a duct connected to a wall of the enclosure; theduct includes a first opening to draw the air from the enclosure and asecond opening to direct air into the enclosure; the fan is positionedat the first opening or the second opening; the second heat transferdevice includes a conductive plate having a first surface configured tothermally connect to a second surface of the second component to formthe substantially direct thermal communication; the second componentincludes a cup holder of the vehicle; the thermal conditioning systemincludes a thermal battery and a fourth conduit in fluid communicationwith the fluid circuit, the fourth conduit is configured to convey thefirst working fluid in the fourth conduit, the fourth conduit in thermalcommunication with the thermal battery, the thermal buttery isconfigured to store thermal energy while the vehicle is operating andconfigured to release thermal energy when the vehicle is not operating,the thermal energy source includes a vapor compression system; the fluidcircuit is in thermal communication with an evaporator of the vaporcompression system to cool the first working fluid, the fluid circuit isin thermal communication with a condenser of the vapor compressionsystem to heat the first working fluid; the fluid circuit is in thermalcommunication selectively with either an evaporator of the vaporcompression system or a condenser of the vapor compression system tocool or heat, respectively, the first working fluid; the evaporator orthe condenser of the vapor compression system is positioned within apassenger compartment of the vehicle; the vapor compression system ispositioned within the thermal zone of the vehicle; the thermal zone iscontained within a passenger compartment of the vehicle; the thermalzone is smaller than the passenger compartment of the vehicle; aplurality of the thermal conditioning systems is provided; the pluralityof thermal conditioning systems positioned within a passengercompartment of the vehicle; the thermal conditioning system includes another thermal energy source in selective thermal communication with thefluid circuit, the other thermal energy source includes a heat sourceconfigured to heat the first working fluid; the thermal conditioningsystem includes an other thermal energy source in selective thermalcommunication with the first conduit, the other thermal energy sourceincludes a heat source configured to heat the first working fluid in thefirst conduit to heat the first component; the second component is insubstantially direct thermal communication with the second heat transferdevice; the thermal conditioning system includes one or more temperaturesensors configured to determine a temperature of at least one of thefirst component or the second component; the system is configured toheat or cool the at least one of the first component or the secondcomponent to a predetermined temperature; the thermal conditioningsystem includes one or more temperature sensors configured to determinea temperature of at least one of the first heat transfer device or thesecond heat transfer device; the system is configured to heat or coolthe at least one of the first heat transfer device or the second heattransfer device to a predetermined temperature; the thermal conditioningsystem includes a temperature sensor configured to determine atemperature of the first working fluid; the system is configured to heator cool the first working fluid to a predetermined temperature: and/orthe second component comprises a second one of a seat, a cup holder, anda bin of the vehicle different than the first one of a seat, a cupholder, and a bin of the vehicle.

Various embodiments of this disclosure relate to a system for thermallyconditioning a component in a vehicle having a central heating,ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The system can includethe following: a thermal bus and a vapor compression system in thermalcommunication with the thermal bus. The thermal bus can include thefollowing a main line configured to circulate a thermal mediumtherethrough: a thermal region including a first heat exchanger and thecomponent; and a first branch coupled with the main line and configuredto circulate at least some of the thermal medium from the mam line tothe thermal region, a second thermal region including a second heatexchanger and a second component; and a second branch coupled with themain line and configured to circulate at least some of the thermalmedium from the main line to the second thermal region. The vaporcompression system is separate from the central HVAC system and caninclude the following: a miniature compressor; a condenser coupled withthe compressor; and an evaporator coupled with the condenser and thecompressor, wherein the miniature vapor compression system providesthermal energy to the thermal medium circulating in the main line of thethermal bus.

In some embodiments, the system for thermally conditioning a componentcan include one or more of the following. The thermal bus including thefollowing: a second thermal region including a second heat exchanger anda second component, a second branch coupled with the main line andconfigured to circulate the thermal medium from the main line to thesecond thermal region; the thermal bus includes a third thermal regionincluding a third heat exchanger and a third component; a third branchcoupled with the main line and configured to circulate the thermalmedium from the main line to the third thermal region; the first andsecond components are two of a seat, a bin, and a cup holder, the firstcomponent is a seat, the second component is a bin; the third componentis a cup holder, the system for thermally conditioning a componentincludes the vehicle; the thermal bus and the miniature vaporcompression system are installed in the vehicle, the miniaturecompressor has a variable speed to vary the thermal energy provided tothe thermal medium from the miniature vapor compression system; thefirst branch includes a valve, and the first branch circulates thethermal medium adjacent to the heat exchanger and the valve isconfigured to regulate the flow of the thermal medium therethrough andthereby control the temperature or other heat transfer properties of theheat exchanger; the thermal medium is a liquid; the thermal regionincludes a fan configured to blow air over the heat exchanger; thethermal region is an open loop air system configured to emit conditionedair therefrom; the thermal region includes a fan configured to blow airover the heat exchanger; the thermal region is a closed loop air systemconfigured to recirculate conditioned air; the heat exchanger and thecomponent contact each other such that the component is thermallyconditioned via conduction; the condenser is configured to integratewith the vehicle air conditioning system; and/or the system forthermally conditioning a component includes a thermal battery coupledwith the main line.

Various embodiments of the disclosure relate to a thermal conditioningsystem for heating or cooling within a thermal zone of a vehicle. Thesystem can include the following a first fluid circuit of a vaporcompression system, and the first fluid circuit can be configured tocirculate a first working fluid in the first fluid circuit; a first heattransfer device in thermal communication with the first fluid circuit,the vapor compression configured to heat or cool the first heat transferdevice via the first working fluid in the first fluid circuit; a secondfluid circuit configured to circulate a second working fluid in thesecond fluid circuit, the second fluid circuit in thermal communicationwith the first heat transfer device to heat or cool the second workingfluid via thermal energy transferred from or to the first working fluid;a first conduit in fluid communication with the second fluid circuit,the first conduit configured to convey the second working fluid in thefirst conduit; a second heat transfer device in thermal communicationwith the first conduit; a second conduit in thermal communication withthe second heat transfer device, wherein the second heat transfer devicetransfers thermal energy between the first conduit and the secondconduit; a first component within the thermal zone of the vehicle, thefirst component in thermal communication with the second conduit,wherein the second conduit heats or cools the first component viathermal energy transferred from or to the second working fluid in thefirst conduit by the second heat transfer device, a third conduit influid communication with the second fluid circuit, the third conduitconfigured to convey the second working fluid in the third conduit; athird heat transfer device in thermal communication with the thirdconduit; and a second component within the thermal zone of the vehicle,the second component in substantially direct thermal communication withthe third heat transfer device, and the third heat transfer device canheat or cool the second component by transferring thermal energy betweenthe second working fluid in the third conduit and the second component.

In some embodiments, the thermal conditioning system for heating orcooling within a thermal zone of a vehicle can include one or more ofthe following. The first working fluid includes refrigerant of the vaporcompression system, the second working fluid includes ethylene glycol;the first heat transfer device includes a condenser or an evaporator ofthe vapor compression system; the condenser or the evaporator isconfigured to heat or cool, respectively, the second working fluid viathe first heat transfer device; the vapor compression system is operatedreversibly for the first heat transfer device to perform as either thecondenser or the evaporator; the system includes a fourth heat transferdevice in thermal communication with the second fluid circuit; thefourth heat transfer device is in thermal communication with the firstheat transfer device to transfer thermal energy between the first andsecond working fluids; the fourth heat transfer device includes aconductive plate in substantially direct thermal communication with thefirst heat transfer device; the second conduit is configured to convey athird working fluid in the second conduit; the third working fluid isheated or cooled via thermal energy transferred from or to the secondworking fluid in the first conduit by the second heat transfer device;the third working fluid includes air; the system includes a fanconfigured to move the air in the second conduit, the fan blows airtoward the first component without recirculating the air to heat or coolthe first component; the first component includes a seat of the vehicle;the second conduit is configured to recirculate the air in the secondconduit; the fan moves the air in the second conduit to heat or cool thefirst component; the first component includes an enclosure; the secondconduit is configured to recirculate the air within the enclosure; thesecond conduit includes a duct connected to a wall of the enclosure; theduct includes a first opening to draw the air from the enclosure and asecond opening to direct air back into the enclosure; the fan ispositioned at the first opening or the second opening; the third heattransfer device includes a conductive plate having a first surfaceconfigured to thermally connect to a second surface of the secondcomponent to form the substantially direct thermal communication; thesecond component includes a cup holder of the vehicle; the systemincludes a thermal battery and a fourth conduit in fluid communicationwith the second fluid circuit; the fourth conduit is configured toconvey the second working fluid in the fourth conduit; the fourthconduit is in thermal communication with the thermal battery; thethermal battery is configured to store thermal energy while the vehicleis operating and configured to release thermal energy when the vehicleis not operating; the evaporator or the condenser of the vaporcompression system is positioned within a passenger compartment of thevehicle; the thermal zone is contained within a passenger compartment ofthe vehicle; the thermal zone is smaller than the passenger compartmentof the vehicle; a plurality of the thermal conditioning systems areprovided; the plurality of the thermal conditioning systems arepositioned within a passenger compartment of the vehicle; the system orsystems include a thermal energy source in selective thermalcommunication with the second fluid circuit; the thermal energy sourceincludes a heat source configured to heat the second working fluid; thesystem or systems include a thermal energy source in selective thermalcommunication with the first conduit; the thermal energy source includesa heat source configured to heat the second working fluid in the firstconduit to heat the first component; the system or systems include oneor more temperature sensors configured to determine a temperature of atleast one of the first component or the second component; the system isconfigured to heat or cool the at least one of the first component orthe second component to a predetermined temperature; the system orsystems include one or more temperature sensors configured to determinea temperature of at least one of the second heat transfer device or thethird heat transfer device; the system or systems are configured to heator cool the at least one of the second heat transfer device or the thirdheat transfer device to a predetermined temperature; and/or the systemor systems include a temperature sensor configured to determine atemperature of the second working fluid, and the system or systems areis configured to heat or cool the second working fluid to apredetermined temperature.

The foregoing is a summary and contains simplifications, generalization,and omissions of detail. Those skilled in the art will appreciate thatthe summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any waylimning. Other aspects, features, and advantages of the devices and/orprocesses and/or other subject matter described herein will becomeapparent in the teachings set forth herein. The summary is provided tointroduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are furtherdescribed below in the Detailed Description. This summary is notintended to identify key features or essential features of any subjectmatter described herein.

The summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of any subject matter described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments will be described withreference to the following figures, wherein like reference numeralsrefer to like parts throughout the various figures, unless otherwisespecified.

FIG. 1A is a side view of an embodiment of a system for thermallyservicing a vehicle having thermal systems that service variouscomponents in various thermal zones of the vehicle.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of various vehicularcomponents serviced by a thermal bus that may be used in the system ofFIG. 1A.

FIGS. 3A-3B are perspective views of an embodiment of a thermalconditioning device of a thermal bus that may be used in the system ofFIG. 1A.

FIGS. 4A-4B are perspective views of another embodiment of a thermalconditioning device of a thermal bus that may be used in the system ofFIG. 1A.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle centerconsole region of a thermal bus having a bin, a cup holder and a thermalenergy source, that may be used in the system of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 5B and 5C are perspective and exploded views, respectively, of thebin of FIG. 5A.

FIGS. 5D and 5E are perspective and exploded views, respectively, of thecup holder of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 5F is a perspective view of an embodiment of a thermal energysource that may be used in the system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of an embodiment of a thermal bus having aminiature vapor compression system as the thermal energy source and asingle thermal medium line that services three different thermal regionsthat may be used in the system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of an embodiment of a miniature vapor compressionsystem that may be used in the system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of an embodiment of a control system forcontrolling a thermal conditioning system.

FIG. 9 is a schematic of another embodiment of a thermal conditioningsystem.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment of claimed subject matter. Thus, theappearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” or “an embodiment” invarious places throughout this specification are not necessarily ailreferring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features,structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or moreembodiments (e.g., some embodiments).

The systems and methods disclosed herein provide features for thermallyconditioning components in a vehicle using a vapor compressor. Althoughpresented in the context of a vehicle, similar systems may be used inother contexts as well, such as homes and offices. The system includesat least one legion having one or more components serviced by a thermalenergy source that uses, for example, a vapor compressor. In someembodiments, the system has two, three, or more regions with each regionhaving several components that are thermally conditioned. The system caninclude a single fluid loop for servicing the one or more regions andthe components therein. In some embodiments, the single loop circulatesliquid thermal medium conditioned by a vapor compression system as thethermal energy source, e.g., a miniature vapor compressor, to each ofthe one or more regions. The liquid medium branches off of the loop toeach region. Each region can include a heat transfer device (e.g., aheat exchanger) that transfers heat to or from the various components.For example, a first region may have a seat, a second region may have astorage bin in a center console, and a third region may have a cupholder. The single, liquid medium loop can service all three regions.Further, each region may thermally condition their respective componentswith a variety of mechanisms, including “open loop air,” “closed loopair,” conductive, or other types, including fluid thermal system withcircuits and conduits conveying, for example, liquid. The conditioningmay be controlled, such that the components are heated or cooled to apredetermined temperature. In some embodiments, the conditioning systemsdisclosed herein may be controlled using the various methods andtechniques disclosed in U.S. provisional patent application No.62/241,514, filed Oct. 14, 2015, the entire contents of which areincorporated herein by reference.

As used herein, the term “lines,” “loops” and similar terms and phrasesare used in their broad and/ordinary sense and include, for example, anysuitable piping, tubes, circuits, conduits, channels, passageways, etc.for conveying and/or directing a desired medium or fluid (e.g., liquid,gas, coolant, air) As used herein, the term “coolant” and similar termsand phrases are used in their broad and/ordinary sense and include, forexample, fluids such as refrigerant or glycol that transfer thermalenergy within a heating or cooling system. As used herein, the term“heat transfer device” or “heat exchanger” and similar terms and phrasesare used in their broad and/ordinary sense and include, for example, aheat exchanger, a heat transfer surface, a heat transfer structure, heatexchanger fins, and other suitable apparatuses for transferring thermalenergy between media, or any combination of such devices. As usedherein, the terms “thermal energy source,” and “heat source” and similarterms and phrases are used in their broad and/ordinary sense andinclude, for example, a condenser, a vehicle engine, a burner, anelectronic component, a heating element, a battery or battery pack, anexhaust system component, a device that converts energy into thermalenergy, or any combination of such devices. In some embodiments, theterms “thermal energy source” and “heat source” can refer to a negativethermal energy source, such as, for example, a chiller, an evaporator,another cooling component, a combination of components, and so forth.

As used herein, the terms “sufficient” and “sufficiently,” and similarterms and phrases, are used broadly in accordance with their ordinarymeanings. For example, in the context of sufficient heating orsufficient heat transfer involving a fluid, these terms broadlyencompass, without limitation, a condition in which the fluid,component, or a region is heated to a temperature that is predeterminedor desired by a user such as, for example, a passenger of a vehicle or acondition in which the fluid, component, or a region is heated to athreshold temperature.

As used herein, the terms “actuator” or “fluid flow control device” andsimilar terms and phrases are used broadly in accordance with theirordinary meaning. For example, the terms broadly encompass fluid controldevices, such as, for example, valves, regulators, pumps, and othersuitable structures or combination of structures used to control theflow of fluids.

As used herein, the term “control device” and similar terms and phrasesare used broadly in accordance with their ordinary meaning. For example,such terms and phrases broadly encompass a device or system that isconfigured to control fluid movement, electrical energy transfer,thermal energy transfer, and/or data communications among one or morecomponents. The control device may include a single controller thatcontrols one or more components of the system, or it may include morethan one controller controlling various components of the system.

FIGS. 1A-1B illustrate an embodiment of a system 1 for thermallyservicing a vehicle 10 having thermal buses 20, 40 that service variouscomponents in various thermal zones 22, 42 of the vehicle 10. Thevehicle 10 may Ire a passenger car, truck, sport utility vehicle,semi-truck, limousine, mobile agricultural or construction vehicle, orany other suitable vehicle. The vehicle 10 may be propelled by acombustion engine, an electric motor, or combination thereof. The system1 may be operated during periods the vehicle 10 is operated (e.g.moving) and/or when the vehicle 10 is not operated (e.g. stationary)During periods when the vehicle 10 is not operated, the system 1 can bepowered by a vehicle power source such as an onboard battery or agenerator powered by a combustion engine or an electric motor. In thisway, the system 1 can provide an engine off thermal management system,for example for a cabin, bed, refrigerator or other region of acommercial or over-the-highway truck.

The system 1 includes a first thermal bus 20 located in a first thermalzone 22 of the vehicle 10. The first thermal bus 20 is a system forservicing components loaned within the first thermal zone 22. As shown,components in the first thermal zone 22 include a first front seat 24and at least part of a front row seating area within a front passengercompartment of the vehicle 10. The front passenger compartment may be alocation of the vehicle 10 where a driver sits and drives the vehicle 10or where a front row passenger sits and rides along. The bus 20, zone 22and seat 24 are shown in dashed lines because they are inside thevehicle 10. The first thermal zone 22 may also include other componentsof the vehicle 10. The first thermal bus 20 services the components inthe first thermal zone 22 by heating or cooling them. For instance, thefirst thermal bus 20 may circulate thermal medium for cooling the firstfront seat 24. The first thermal bus 20 may further circulate thermalmedium for cooling other components within the first thermal zone 22. Insome embodiments, the first thermal bus 20 may circulate thermal mediumfor heating in addition to or instead of cooling. Therefore, as usedherein, “thermally servicing” and similar phrases include providingthermal medium for cooling and/or heating.

The system 1 includes a first control module 6. As shown, the firstcontrol module 6 may be located on or near the first front seat 24.However, the first control module 6 may be in any number of locations,such as another location of the seat 24, on a dashboard, center console,steering wheel or other locations in the vehicle 10. The first controlmodule 6 may be used to control the thermal conditioning of componentswithin the first thermal zone 22. For example, the servicing of the seat24 by the first thermal bus 20 may be adjusted using the first controlmodule 6. If the seat 24 is too cold, it may be made warmer using thefirst control module 6. If the seat 24 is too hot, it may be made coolerby using the first control module 6. Other components may likewise beserviced in this manner. Further, the first control module 6 may be usedto adjust the thermal conditioning of components within other thermalzones of the vehicle 10. There may also be multiple control modules 6.

The first control module 6 may include a user interface that may beaccessed by a user of the system 1 to adjust the thermal output tovarious components. The interface may be any number of suitable userinterfaces, such as a digital interface with touchscreen input and/or anumber of other components including a knob that rotates, a switch thatis flipped, a button or buttons that are depressed, etc. The firstcontrol module 6 may further have or be coupled with a display showingthe current setting for thermal conditioning. For instance, a digitaldisplay may show the temperature that the seat 24 is set to along withthe current temperature of the seat 24, and other suitable information.The display may also be in a different location from the first controlmodule 6, such as the dashboard or integrated with the vehicle's variousinstrument panels.

The first control module 6 may include various electronic and/orcomputing components. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that theterm “control module” as used herein can refer to, be a part of, orcomprise a processor that executes code, an Application SpecificIntegrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a combinational logiccircuit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a hard-wired feedbackcontrol circuit, other suitable components that provide the describedfunctionality, or a combination of some or all of the foregoing. Thecontrol unit can further comprise memory (shared, dedicated, or group)that stores code executed by the control unit. Thus, in someembodiments, the first control module 6 may include a microprocessor,memory storage and programs to execute control logic. The first controlmodule 6 may receive input from a number of sensors and may adjustvarious operating parameters of the system 1 based on such input. Anysuitable control algorithms may be implemented. The first control module6 may be coupled with various sensors and/or devices of the firstthermal zone 22, such as with thermal sensors or a miniature compressor,heat transfer device, etc. to adjust the thermal output to certaincomponents. In some embodiments, the first control module 6 may be nearor part of an electronic control unit or module of the vehicle 10 forcontrolling various operations of the vehicle 10 over, for example, acontroller area network (CAN) bus of the vehicle 10. Further details ofthe various sensors and devices that may be coupled with the controlmodule 6 are discussed herein, for example with respect to FIG. 8.

As shown, the system 1 includes a second thermal zone 42. In someembodiments, the system 1 may include only one thermal zone or more thantwo thermal zones. As shown, the second thermal zone 42 includes a firstrear seat 44 and is at least part of a rear passenger compartment of thevehicle 10. The rear passenger compartment may be a second or thud rowsealing area behind a from row sealing area where one or more passengerssit in the rear of the vehicle 10. As shown in FIG. 1A, the system 1also includes a second thermal bus 40 located within the second thermalzone 42 and separate from the first thermal bus 20. The second thermalbus 40 thermally services various components of the vehicle 10 withinthe second thermal zone 42. The second thermal bus 40 and the secondthermal zone 42 are similar to the first thermal bus 20 and the firstthermal zone 22, except the second system 40 and zone 42 servicedifferent components of the vehicle 10. As shown, the second thermal bus40 thermally services the first rear seat 44. The second thermal bus 40may also service other components of the vehicle 10 within the secondthermal zone 42.

The system 1 includes a second control module 8. The second controlmodule 8 may be similar to the first control module 6. In someembodiments, the second control module 8 is used to control the thermalsettings of components within the second thermal zone 42. For example,the servicing of the first rear seat 44 by the second thermal bus 40 maybe adjusted using the second control module 8. The second control module8 may, instead or in addition to components within the second thermalzone 42, be used to control thermal servicing of components outside thesecond thermal zone 42. As shown, the second control module 8 may belocated on or near the first rear seat 44. However, the second controlmodule 8 may be in any number of locations. The second control module 8may further have any or all of the features and functionalities as thefirst control module 6, including but not limited to electronic controlcomponents and/or configurations discussed in further detail herein, forexample with respect to FIG. 8.

The thermal buses 20, 40 of the system 1 may be thermally coupledindirectly or directly with a condenser or radiator 2 located outsidethe passenger compartment in, for example, an engine compartment at thefront of the vehicle. The condenser 2 may be part of a thermal energysource 604, as discussed in further detail herein, for example withrespect to FIG. 6. In some embodiments, the radiator 2 may be thecondenser 720 of the miniature vapor compression system 700 as discussedin further detail herein, for example with respect to FIG. 7. Thecondenser or radiator 2 can be located in front of or otherwise near anengine radiator. The radiator 2 can be a heat transfer device, such asfor example, a low temperature core. Accordingly, ambient air can bepassed over the condenser or radiator 2 to remove thermal energy withthe condenser or radiator 2 providing a heat sink to ambient. Thecondenser or radiator 2 may emit or radiate heat absorbed by (e.g.,thermal energy transferred to) the thermal buses 20, 40 from the devicesand components therein. As shown, the system 1 may be thermally coupledwith a battery 4. The battery 4 may be a thermal battery as discussed infurther detail herein, for example with respect to FIG. 6. The battery 4may be thermally coupled with the thermal buses 20, 40 such that mainlines within each bus 20, 40 circulate thermal medium through thebattery for thermal energy storage.

FIG. 1B is a top view of the system 1. As shown, the system 1 includesmultiple components of the vehicle 10 being serviced by a single thermalbus within a single thermal zone. The first thermal bus 20 servicesvarious (one or more) components within the first thermal zone 22. Thesecomponents include the first front seat 24 as well as a second frontseat 25 and a first center console 26. The first front seat 24 may be adriver side seat in the front row seating area of the vehicle 10. Thesecond front seat 25 may be a passenger side seat in the front rowseating area of the vehicle 10. The center console 26 is located betweenthe two front seats 24, 25 and includes a first bin 28. The first bin 28includes a compartment for cooling and/or heating articles that isthermally serviced by the first thermal bus 20. The first thermal bus 20provides thermal medium for cooling or heating the compartment orcompartments within the first bin 28. The first center console 26 alsoincludes first cup holders 30 for cooling and/or heating beverages. Thefirst cup holders 30 are serviced by the first thermal bus 20. Forinstance, the first thermal bus 20 may provide thermal medium forcooling or heating the first cup holders 30.

The system 1 also includes a first thermal energy source 32. As shown,the first thermal energy source 32 may be located in, on or otherwisewith the first center console 26. The first thermal energy source 32provides thermal energy to the thermal medium of the first thermal bus20. Therefore, in some embodiments, the first thermal energy source 32is located within the first center console 26 and is in thermalcommunication with the first thermal bus 20. In some embodiments, thefirst thermal energy source 32 may be located within the first thermalzone 42. The first thermal bus 20 uses the first thermal energy source32 to thermally service the first front seat 24, the second front seat25, the first bin 28 and the first cup holders 30. Therefore, the firstthermal bus 20 can service multiple components of the vehicle 10 withinthe first thermal zone 22. In some embodiments, the first thermal energysource 32 can service components of the vehicle 10 outside the firstthermal zone 22, for example by serving as a backup thermal energysource for components in the second thermal zone 42. In someembodiments, the first thermal energy source 32 can directly service(e.g., act as the primary thermal energy source for) the components ofthe vehicle in the second thermal zone 42.

Similarly, the second thermal bus 40 may service one or more componentsof the vehicle 10, which components may be within the second thermalzone 42. As shown, the second thermal bus 40 services the first rearseat 44, the second rear seat 45, and the second center console 46.Further, the second center console 46 includes a second bin 48 andsecond cup holders 50. The second thermal bus 40 may be thermallycoupled with a second thermal energy source 52, which may be locatedwithin the second center console 46. The second thermal bus 40 can be inthermal communication with the second thermal energy source 52 and useenergy from the energy source 52 to service the various components ofthe second thermal zone 42. As shown, the second thermal bus 40 may usethermal energy from the second thermal energy source 52 to thermallyservice the first rear seat 44, the second rear seat 45, the second bin48 and the second cup holders 50. The first rear seat 44 may be a driverside rear seat in the vehicle 10. The second rear seat 45 may be apassenger side rear seat in the vehicle 10. In some embodiments, thesecond thermal bus 40 may use thermal energy from the first thermalenergy source 32 solely or in combination with other thermal energysources, such as the second thermal energy source 52.

In some embodiments, there may be fewer or more than two thermal zones22, 42 and/or two thermal buses 20, 40. For example, there may be athird thermal zone and/or a third thermal bus. A third thermal zone andbus may thermally service other areas of the vehicle, such as a thirdrow seating area, the trunk, components in the doors, etc.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a thermal zone 200 thatincludes various components serviced by a thermal bus 205 that may beused in the vehicle 10 of the system 1 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. As shown inFIG. 2, the thermal zone 200 includes a thermal bus 205. The componentsserviced by the thermal bus 205 include a seat 210, and a center console220 that includes a bin 230 and two cup holders 240.

The components shown in the thermal zone 200 may be located within aninterior compartment of a vehicle. For example, the seat 210 and thecenter console 220 may be within the vehicle 10 of FIG. 1A. As shown inFIG. 2, the seat 210 is located adjacent to the center console 220. Thecenter console 220 includes the bin 230 located near the rear of thecenter console 220. The cup holders 240 are located in front of the bin230 in the center console 220.

As shown, a thermal energy source 250 is located in front of the cupholders 240. In some embodiments, the thermal energy source 250 can bepositioned in other locations of a vehicle while remaining sufficientlyproximate to thermally conditioned components to achieve thermalconditioning as discussed herein. The thermal energy source 250 is inthermal communication with thermal medium of the thermal bus 205. Thethermal energy source 250 thus absorbs or provides thermal energy to thethermal medium of the thermal bus 205. The thermal energy source 250absorbs heat from the thermal bus 205 to provide cooling and providesheat to the thermal bus 205 to provide heating. In this way, the thermalenergy source 250 provides thermal energy for the thermal bus 205 toservice the seat 210 and the components of the center console 220. Thethermal bus 205 can service these components via, for example, a singlefluid line or circuit that extends to the thermal energy source 250, asdiscussed in further detail herein, for example with respect to FIG. 6.The single fluid line or circuit can be a loop system that recirculatesa cooling medium or fluid, such as for example, a coolant. Furtherdetails of thermal systems and thermal energy sources that may be usedin the thermal zone 200 are provided herein, for example, with respectto FIGS. 6 and 7. The zone 200 shown in FIG. 2 is merely one example ofa possible arrangement of the components and thermal bus 205 within thethermal zone 200. Other suitable configurations may be implemented.

The seat 210 can include occupant support surfaces having multiplethermal conditioning areas 212. The areas 212 are portions of the seat210 that are thermally conditioned, for example by conduction,convection, or a combination of both. By “thermally conditioned” it ismeant that the areas 212 are thermally cooled or heated. Further, theareas 212 are the primary locations that are thermally conditioned, butother parts of the seat may receive such thermal conditioning. As shown,the seat 210 has perforations or other openings in the thermalconditioning areas 212 on a seat bottom portion 214 and on a seat backportion 210 through which conditioned air passes. The perforations inthe areas 212 are arranged in a generally linear configuration along thelengths of the portions 214, 216. This arrangement is merely oneexample, and the perforations within the thermal conditioning areas 212may be arranged in a number of different configurations within or on theseat 210. Further, the conditioning areas 212 may be implemented in anumber of ways besides using perforations. In some embodiments, theconditioning areas 212 may include other openings such as slots, and/orother components to condition and/or distribute the conditioned air,such as beating mats. Thus, the conditioning areas 212 may includeportions of the various thermally conditioned components besides thoseportions in the immediate vicinity of the conditioning areas 212.Further details of such embodiments, for example those that includeheater mats, are discussed herein, for instance with respect to FIG. 6.

The bin 230 is an apparatus within the center console 220 that allowsfor storage of items to be thermally conditioned. In some embodiments,the bin 230 may be an integrated cooler, such as with thermalinsulation, in a vehicle within which items may be placed to be keptcool or warm. The bin 230 may also be an enclosure. In some embodiments,the bin 230 is an enclosure that may be opened and closed to access theinterior of the enclosure. The bin 230 includes a thermal conditioningarea 232. The area 232 is thermally conditioned by the thermal bus 205.Therefore, the area 232 may be a cooled volume within the bin 230. Forexample, the area 232 may be a cavity defined by the bin 230 in whichdrinks and other items may be placed to be kept cool or warm.

The cup holders 240 include thermal conditioning areas 242 withinrespective beverage receptacles. As shown, there are two cup holders 240and two areas 242 with each cup holder 240 having an area 242. The areas242 are thermally conditioned by the thermal bus 205. The thermal bus205 provides heating and/or cooling to items placed within the thermalconditioning areas 242. For example, cups may be placed within the areas242 and kept cool or heated by the thermal bus 205.

The thermal energy source 250 provides the thermal energy for thethermal bus 205 to thermally service these and other components. Theenergy source 250 may use a liquid thermal medium within a single lineto service the seal 210, the bin 230 and the cup holders 240. Furtherdetails of the thermal bus 205 and the thermal energy source 250 thatmay be implemented within the thermal zone 200 are discussed herein, forexample, with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIGS. 3A-3B are perspective views of an embodiment of a thermalconditioning device 300 which can be coupled to a thermal bus accordingto the present disclosure and may be used in the system 1 of FIGS.1A-1B. The thermal conditioning device 300 can service a vehicle seatback or bottom by providing conditioned air to thermal conditioningareas of the seat. For instance, the thermal conditioning device 300 maybe part of the first front seat 24, or any other seats. As anotherexample, the thermal conditioning device 300 may also be part of theseat back portion 216 to provide thermally conditioned air to theconditioning areas 212 as shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 3A, the thermal conditioning device 300 includes acover 310. The cover 310 encloses the internal components of the thermalconditioning device 300. The depicted cover 310 encloses a heat transferdevice 320, which may be a heat exchanger, and a fan 330. In FIG. 3B,the cover 310 has been removed from the thermal conditioning device 300.As shown, the heat transfer device 320 includes a convective heatersubstrate 325. Other heat transfer dev ice components may beimplemented. The fan 330 draws in air through an inlet 350 and forcesthe air over the heat transfer device 320, where the air is conditioned,and out through an outlet 352. In some embodiments, the device 320 mayalso incorporate a thermal electric device (“TED”).

The thermal conditioning device 300 may also include lines to receiveand/or circulate thermal medium therein. As shown, the thermalconditioning device 300 may include a first line 302 and a second line304. Thermal medium may be in thermal communication with and bethermally conditioned by a thermal energy source, such as the thermalenergy source 250 of FIG. 2, and circulated into the thermalconditioning device 300 through the first line 302 and may exit throughthe second line 304. The lines 302, 304 may be coupled withcorresponding inlet and outlet lines of the thermal energy source, forexample with the incoming line 580 and the outgoing line 582 of thethermal energy source 570 described with respect to FIG. 5F. The thermalmedium may be used by the heat transfer device 320 to exchange heat. Thelines 302, 304 may therefore extend along, near, on, or otherwise inproximity to the heat transfer device 320 such that the lines 302, 304or extensions thereof are in thermal communication with the heattransfer device 320. In some embodiments, the first line 302 and thesecond line 304 may be two ends of the same, single line that extendsthrough the thermal conditioning device 300. The configuration shown ismerely one example, and other suitable arrangements may be implemented,such as more than the two lines 302, 304 and/or located in otherlocations of the thermal conditioning device 300.

FIGS. 4A-4B are perspective views of an embodiment of a thermalconditioning device 400 that may be used in the system 1 of FIGS. 1A-1B.For instance, the thermal conditioning device 400 may be part of thefirst front seat 24, or any of the other seats 25, 44, 45. As anotherexample, the thermal conditioning device 400 may also be part of theseat bottom portion 214 shown in FIG. 2.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-4B, the thermal conditioning device 400 includes anadjustable channel 415 connecting a duct 420 to a fan 430. The fan 430moves air through the adjustable channel 415 and into an inlet 450 ofthe duct 420. The adjustable channel 415 may be flexible such it can becontorted, directed, moved, or positioned into different configurations.As shown, the channel 415 is generally straight, but it may be bent orcombinations of straight, bent, curved, etc. After flowing through theadjustable channel 415, the air flows through the duct 420 and over aheat transfer device 460 (see FIG. 4B), which may be a conductive platesuch as a cold plate. The air is conditioned as it moves over the heattransfer device 460, for example the air may be cooled by a cold plate.The air then moves through the duct 420 and exits through the outlet452. The duct 420, the heat transfer device 460, and/or other componentsmay be covered by a housing 410, as shown in FIG. 4B. In someembodiments, the thermal conditioning device 400 may also incorporate athermal electric device (“TED”). The TED may also be covered by thehousing 410.

The thermal conditioning device 400 may also include one or more linesto receive and/or circulate thermal medium therein. Thermal medium maybe in thermal communication with and be thermally conditioned by athermal energy source, such as the thermal energy source 250 of FIG. 2,and circulated through the lines into the thermal bus 205. The lines maybe coupled with corresponding inlet and outlet lines of the thermalenergy source, for example with the incoming line 580 and the outgoingline 582 of the thermal energy source 570 described with respect to FIG.5F. The thermal medium may be used by the heat transfer device 460 toexchange heat. For instance, the heat transfer device 460 may be cooledby the thermal medium (e.g., thermal energy transferred from the heattransfer device 460 to the thermal medium) such that the air is cooledflowing over the heat transfer device 460. The cooled air may then flowto thermally condition a component.

The thermal conditioning devices 300, 400 may be “open loop air” systemsthat do not reuse thermally conditioned air. For instance, the thermalconditioning devices 300, 400 may move thermally conditioned air, suchas cooled or warmed air, through the regions of a seat and exit theseat, such as through the thermally conditioned areas 212 of the seat210 shown in FIG. 2. This is in contrast to a “closed loop air” systemthat reuses the conditioned air, as further described herein, forexample, with respect to FIGS. 5B and 5C. However, the “open loop air”system is merely one example of the subsystems 300 and 400 that may beimplemented. Other suitable systems, such as the “closed loop air”system, conductive plates, or others described herein, may beimplemented for a seat as well.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vehicle centerconsole thermal subsystem 500 that may be used in the system of FIG. 1A.As shown, the center console thermal subsystem 500 includes a bin 510,two cup holders 540, and a thermal energy source 570. The bin 510, thecup holders 540, and/or the thermal energy source 570 may be used in thecenter console 220 of FIG. 2 or in the center consoles 26, 46 of FIGS.1A-1B. Details of the bin 510 are further described with respect toFIGS. 5B and 5C. Further details of the cup holders 540 are discussedwith respect to FIGS. 5D and 5E. The thermal energy source 570 isdiscussed in further detail with respect to FIG. 5F.

FIGS. 5B and 5C are perspective and exploded views, respectively, of thebin 510 of FIG. 5A. As shown in FIG. 5B, the bin 510 includes astructural body 512. The body 512 defines a cavity 514 on the interiorof the bin 510. The cavity 514 is a thermal conditioning area whereitems placed therein may be thermally conditioned. Therefore, the cavity514 may be similar to the thermal conditioning area 252 of FIG. 2. Asfurther shown in FIG. 5B, the bin 510 includes a thermal conditioningdevice 520. The thermal conditioning device 520 forms part of a thermalbus that services the multiple components. For example, the thermalconditioning device 520 may be part of the first thermal bus 20 orsecond thermal bus 40 of FIGS. 1A-1B. Further, the thermal conditioningdevices 300, 400, and 520 may all be part of the same thermal bus, forinstance the thermal bus 20 or 40.

Referring now to FIG. 5C, the thermal conditioning device 520 is shownin an exploded view. The thermal conditioning device 520 includes agrill 522. The grill 522 is installed in or on the bin 510, such asalong an interior wall of the structural body 512. The grill 522provides a series of openings tor air to enter and/or exit the cavity514 of the bin 510.

As shown, the thermal conditioning device 520 also includes a heattransfer device 524, such as a heat exchanger. The heat transfer device524 is located adjacent to the grill 522. The heat transfer device 524thermally conditions the air that is blown into the bin 510. Thethermally conditioned air is blown into the bin 510 by a fan 526adjacent to the heat transfer device 524. For example, the air may bedrawn from the bin 510 across the heat transfer device 524 to be heatedor cooled by the heat transfer device 524 and then blown by the fan 526back into the bin 510.

The fan 526 blows the thermally conditioned air into a duct 528. Theduct 528 defines a channel for air to flow through. The duct 528recirculates air from inside the cavity 514 of the bin 510. For example,air from inside the cavity 514 may flow through an inlet defined by anupper section of the grill 522 and into the duct 528. The air may thenbe blown by the fan 526 over the heat transfer device 524 and into anoutlet defined by a lower section of the grill 522, such that thermallyconditioned air is provided back to the cavity 514 of the bin 510.Therefore, the thermal conditioning device 520 is a “closed loop air”system. This is merely one example of how the bin thermal conditioningdevice 520 may be implemented with the bin 510. Other types of thermalsystems, such as the “open loop air” subsystems 300, 400 described withrespect to FIGS. 3A-4B, conductive plates, or others described herein,may also be implemented.

The thermal conditioning device 520 may also include one or more linesto receive and/or circulate thermal medium therein. As shown in FIG. 5C,the subsystem 520 may include a first line 521 and a second line 525.Thermal medium may be received from a thermal energy source, such as thethermal energy source 250 of FIG. 2, and circulated into the subsystem520 through the first line 521 and may exit through the second line 525.The lines 521, 525 may be coupled with corresponding inlet and outletlines of the thermal energy source, for example with the incoming line580 and the outgoing line 582 of the thermal energy source 570 describedwith respect to FIG. 5F. The thermal medium may be used by the heattransfer device 524 to exchange heat. The lines 521, 525 may thereforeextend along, near, on, or otherwise in proximity to the heat transferdevice 524 such that the lines 521, 525 or extensions thereof are inthermal communication with the heat transfer device 524. In someembodiments, the first line 521 and the second line 525 may be two endsof the same, single line that extends through the subsystem 520. Theconfiguration shown is merely one example, and other suitablearrangements may be implemented, such as more than the two lines 521,525 and/or located in other locations of the subsystem 520.

FIGS. 5D and 5E are perspective and exploded views, respectively, of oneof the cup holders 540 of FIG. 5A. The cup holder 540 includes a cupreceptacle or insert 542. The cup insert 542 defines a cavity 544 on theinterior of the cup holder 540. The cavity 544 is the location whereitems such as a cup may be placed to be thermally conditioned. Forexample, a cup may be placed within the cavity 544 to be kept cool orwarm. Further, the cavity 544 may be the thermally conditioned area 242of FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 5D, the cup holder 540 includes a thermal conditioningdevice 550, which may be mounted on part of the cup insert 542. Thecavity 544 is thermally conditioned by the subsystem 550 via conductionbetween the cup insert 542 and the thermal conditioning device 550. Bythermally conditioning the insert 542, the cavity 544 and any itemstherein will also be thermally conditioned.

FIG. 5E is an exploded view of the cup holder 540 and the thermalconditioning device 550. The thermal conditioning device 550 includes aheat transfer device 552, such as a conductive plate, and a mountinghousing 554 the heat transfer device 552 can directly contact the cupinsert 542 to have substantially direct thermal communication with thecup insert 542. Thermal energy such as heat may be removed from or addedto the cup insert 542 by conduction through the adjacent, contactingheat transfer device 552, for example, via two facing, contactingsurfaces of the cup insert 542 and the heat transfer device 552. Theheat transfer device 552 may have the mounting housing 554 mountedthereto. The mounting housing 554 may have insulation preventing heatloss of exchange between the heat transfer device 552 and surroundingsother than the cup insert 542.

The thermal conditioning device 550 may also include one or more linesto circulate thermal medium therein. As shown in FIGS. 5D and 5F, thesubsystem 550 may include a first line 553 and a second line 555 fluidlycoupled with a conductive plate 556 (see FIG. 5E), which may be a hollowconductive plate Thermal medium may be received from a thermal energysource, such as the thermal energy source 250 of FIG. 2, and circulatedinto the thermal conditioning device 550 through the first line 553 andthe conductive plate 556, and may exit through the second line 555. Thelines 553, 555 may be coupled with corresponding inlet and outlet linesof the thermal energy source, for example with the incoming line 580 andthe outgoing line 582 of the thermal energy source 570 described withrespect to FIG. 5F. The thermal medium may be used by the heat transferdevice 552, such as the conductive plate 556, to exchange heat. Thelines 553, 555 may therefore extend along, near, on or otherwise inproximity to the heat transfer device 552 such that the lines 521, 525or extensions thereof are in thermal communication with the heattransfer device 552. In some embodiments, the first line 553 and thesecond line 555 may be two ends of the same, single line that extendsthrough the thermal conditioning device 550. The configuration shown ismerely one example, and other suitable arrangements may be implemented,such as more than the two lines 553, 555 and/or located in otherlocations of the thermal conditioning device 550. Further, the thermalconditioning device 550 along with the thermal conditioning devices 300,400, and/or 520 and may all be part of the same thermal bus (e.g. inthermal communication with the same thermal bus), for instance thethermal bus 20 or 40 shown in FIGS. 1A-1B. The thermal conditioningdevices 300, 400, 520 and/or 550 may also be thermally coupled (e.g., inthermal communication) with the same thermal energy source, for examplea thermal energy source 570 discussed below with respect to FIG. 5F.

FIG. 5F is a perspective view of an embodiment of a thermal energysource 570 that can absorb heat from or provide heat to a thermal busaccording to the present disclosure. The thermal energy source 570 maybe used in the thermal zone 200 of FIG. 2 or the system 1 of FIGS.1A-1B. The thermal energy source 570 is configured to be in thermalcommunication with the thermal bus and, more particularly, the thermalmedium used to condition the various thermal regions of a vehicle andvarious components therein. The thermal energy source 570 providesthermal energy to be used for heating and/or cooling the thermal medium.Further details of the interaction of the thermal energy source 570 withthe various thermally conditioned components are provided herein, forexample with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7.

As shown, the thermal energy source 570 is coupled with an incoming line580, an outgoing line 582, and a conductive plate 584, which may be ahollow conductive plate. The thermal medium flows into the conductiveplate 584 via the incoming line 580 and out of the conductive plate 584via the outgoing line 582. The lines 580, 582 may be coupled, directlyor indirectly, with corresponding lines on components to be thermallyconditioned. For example, the lines 580, 582 may be coupled with thelines 302, 304 of the thermal conditioning device 300 of FIGS. 3A-3B,and/or with the lines of the thermal conditioning dev ice 400 of FIGS.4A-4B, and/or with the lines 521, 525 of the thermal conditioning device520 of FIGS. 5B-5C, and/or with the lines 553, 555 of the thermalconditioning device 550 of FIGS. 5D-5E. The thermal energy source 570further includes a miniature compressor 572. The energy source 570 mayhave a total volume of about 512 cubic inches. For example, the energysource 570 may generally occupy an area or volume of about 8 by 8 by 8inches. Other sizes can be accommodated, such as for example, areas orvolumes having dimensions (e.g., sides) ranging from about 4 to 12inches. The miniature compressor 572 may be any of a number ofcommercially available miniature, small or micro compressors. In someembodiments, the miniature compressor 572 is about the size of a typicaltwelve ounce soda can.

The thermal energy source 570 also includes a condenser 574 and anevaporator 576. The condenser 574 and the evaporator 576 are coupledwith the miniature compressor 572. The condenser 574 or the evaporator576 provides the thermal energy to the medium circulating through thelines 580, 582. As shown, the evaporator 576 is used as the thermalenergy source to provide cooling. In some embodiments, the condenser 574is used as the thermal energy source to provide heating. As shown, theevaporator 576 may be in direct contact with the conductive plate 584,such that heat is conductively absorbed from the conductive plate 584 bythe evaporator 576, thereby removing heat from, i.e. cooling, theconductive plate 584. The thermal energy source 570 may also include afan 578. The fan 578 may move air over the condenser 574 to remove heatbeing emitted by the condenser 574. Other approaches to removing theheat emitted by the condenser 574 may be implemented and are discussedin further detail herein, for example, with respect to FIGS. 1A and 7.

The conductive plate 584 therefore thermally communicates with theevaporator 576. Heat may be removed from the conductive plate 584 by theevaporator 576, as mentioned. In this manner, the conductive plate 584may be used for providing heating or cooling to the thermal mediumcirculating in the lines 580, 582. The components of the thermal energysource 570 used to provide cooling or heating to the conductive plate584 may be components of what may be referred to as a “miniature vaporcompression system.” Further details of the miniature vapor compressionsystem and its interaction with a thermal bus for thermally conditioningvarious vehicle components are discussed herein, for example withrespect to FIGS. 6 and 7.

FIG. 6 is a schematic of an embodiment of a thermal conditioning systemfor heating or cooling multiple thermal zones or regions of a vehicle.The thermal conditioning system includes a thermal bus 600 with thermalmedium that is conditioned by a thermal energy source 604 comprising aminiature vapor compression system. The thermal bus 600 includes asingle main line or circuit 605 that services three different regions601, 602, 603 within the vehicle. The bus 600 and thermal energy source604 may be used in a variety of embodiments for thermally conditioningone or more components in a vehicle, for example it may be used in thesystem 1 of FIGS. 1A-1B, in the thermal zone 200 such as for the thermalbus 205 in FIG. 2, or other embodiments described herein.

As shown, the thermal bus 600 includes a first region 601, a secondregion 602 and a third region 603. The regions 601, 602, 603 includecorresponding components of a vehicle that are thermally conditioned,such as a seat, a bin and a cup holder, respectively. For example, thefirst region 601 may correspond to the first front seat 24 from FIGS.1A-1B or the seat 210 from FIG. 2. The second region 602 may correspondto the first bin 28 of FIG. 1B or the bin 230 of FIG. 2. The thirdregion 603 may correspond to the first cup holder 30 of FIG. 1B or thecup holders 240 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. 6, the regions 601, 602, 603are indicated by dashed lines that surround various components includedwith the respective regions. Further detail of the various componentswithin each region 601, 602, 603 are discussed below, however, these aremerely examples and the regions 601, 602, 603 may include fewer or morecomponents than are shown and described herein. Further, in someembodiments, there may be more or fewer than three regions. There may beone, two, four or more regions in the thermal bus 600.

As shown, the thermal bus 600 includes thermal medium that is heatedand/or cooled by the thermal energy source 604. The thermal energysource 604 may be similar to the thermal energy source 570 describedwith respect to FIG. 5F. The thermal energy source 604 can provideheating or cooling via an evaporator or a condenser of a vaporcompression system. In some embodiments, an evaporator is used in thethermal energy source 604 to provide cooling. In some embodiments, acondenser is used in the thermal energy source 604 to provide heating.Further detail of the thermal energy source 604 is described herein, forexample with respect to FIG. 7.

As shown in FIG. 6, the thermal bus 600 has a single main line orcircuit 605 that carries a thermal medium which is heated and/or cooledby the thermal energy source 604 and used to condition the variousregions 601, 602, 603. The line 605 is, for example, a tube or pipingcomprising conduits that carries fluid, such as a liquid, gas, vapor orother thermal media, to the various regions. The line 605 extends fromthe thermal energy source 604 in a loop and returns to the thermalenergy source 604. The line 605 may be in thermal communication with thethermal energy source 604 in a variety of locations. In someembodiments, a portion of the line 605 may be in thermal communicationwith an evaporator of the thermal energy source 604 and another portionof the line 605 may be in thermal communication with a condenser of thethermal energy source 604. A valve may control which portion receivesthe working fluid in the line 605. In this manner, the thermal energysource may selectively provide heating or cooling. Such a system may beselectively controlled, for example, by the control system 800, asdescribed herein.

The line 605 may include a pump 606 or other fluid moving devicedesigned to circulate the thermal media. The pump 606 causes the thermalmedium within the line 605 to circulate through the bus 600. Further,the pump 606 and/or other parts of the bus 600 may include a flowdetection sensor or device. Such a sensor may detect if the pump 606, orother components such as the various flow control devices, becomesnon-functional and prevents or reduces the flow of fluid through the bus600. The flow detection sensor may also detect a catastrophic leak inwhich a tube has become disconnected or burst. In addition, the bus 600may include a reservoir that contains the working fluid. The reservoirmay include a fluid level sensor, for example to detect a lack of fluidin the bus 600 and to protect the pump 606 from damage by running dry.The fluid level sensor may be a float valve sensor, or a more advancedsensor that would monitor actual fluid levels and make a diagnosticdecision based on change in fluid levels over time if there is a slowleak.

The thermal bus 600 further includes various temperature sensors. Anoutgoing temperature sensor 607 can be coupled to the line 605 at alocation adjacent the thermal energy source 604 as illustrated, forexample downstream in a direction of flow of the thermal medium throughthe line 605. The outgoing temperature sensor 607 senses the temperatureof the thermal medium within the line 605 as the thermal medium leavesthermal communication with the thermal energy source 604. An incomingtemperature sensor 608 can be coupled to the line 605 at a locationadjacent the thermal energy source 604 as illustrated, for exampleupstream of the direction of flow. The incoming temperature sensor 608senses the temperature of the thermal medium in the line 605 as thethermal medium comes into thermal communication with the thermal energysource 604. The sensors 607, 608 may be used to determine if adjustmentsto the thermal energy source 604 are necessary. For example, if thetemperatures sensed by the sensors 607, 608 are too low or too high,operation of the thermal energy source 604 may be adjusted to increaseor decrease the amount of heating or cooling provided and thereby adjustthe temperature of the thermal medium, respectively.

As shown, the thermal bus 600 can also include a bypass line 609. Thebypass line 609 may be a continuation of the line 605 beyond the threeregions 601, 602, 603. The bypass line 609 may also be a separate linecoupled with the line 605. The bypass line 609 can include a flowcontrol device 610, such as a valve or other device, that regulates theflow of the thermal medium through the bypass line 609. In someembodiments, the flow control device 610 is normally open. The bypassline 605 can be used to help regulate thermal conditioning of theregions 601, 602, 603 as discussed herein.

In some embodiments, flow into the bypass line 609 may be controlledwith flow control device(s) in other parts of the bus 600. For example,flow into the bypass line 609 may be controlled with flow controldevice(s) in the line 605, or in other lines. Flow into and/or throughthe bypass line 609 may be controlled passively. For example, flow intoand/or through the bypass line 609 may be controlled by varying the sizeof the tubing in the bypass line 609. For example, a smaller diametersection in portion(s) of the bypass line 609 may provide flowrestriction to the bypass line 609. Such restriction could beapproximately the same as the other lines.

As shown, the bypass line 609 can connect to a thermal battery 611. Thethermal battery 611 is heated or cooled, i.e. thermally charged, by thethermal energy source 604. The thermal battery 611 can condition one ormore of the interior components during periods when the thermal energysource 604 is not operating. The thermal battery 611 can be charged viaone or mote of a refrigerant circuit, a liquid circuit, and an aircircuit, such as the main line 605 via the bypass line 609. The thermalbattery 611 can be a reservoir within the bypass line 609. The thermalbattery 611 may be cooled by the thermal medium within the bypass line609. The thermal battery 611 may be used to provide smaller amounts ofcooling to the bus 600. For example, if the car is off, an auxiliarypump may be run to provide some thermal conditioning to variouscomponents of the vehicle. As another example, when the bus 600 isproviding cooling, a fan may be run for a period of time after the carhas been shut off to provide air to the evaporator in the thermal energysource 604 and prevent it from icing. In some embodiments, the thermalbattery 611 may be or include a thermal storage device that, forexample, contains either or both a high and low temperature phase changematerial, such as for example, wax (a higher temperature phase changematerial) and water (a lower temperature phase change material) to storethermal energy for later use.

The bypass line 609 may continue beyond the thermal battery 611 andcouple with (e.g., return to) the main line 605. In some embodiments,the bypass line 609 and the main line 605 may be different regions ofthe same, monolithic line.

The thermal bus 600 thermally services the regions 601, 602, 603. Asshown, the main line 605 may service each region via a branch line. Afirst branch 612 is connected to the line 605 and services the firstregion 601. A second branch 632 is connected to the line 605 andservices the second region 602. A third branch 652 is connected to theline 605 and services the third region 603. In some embodiments, morethan one branch line may service a single region, or a single branchline may service more than one region.

The first region 601 receives thermal medium that flows through thefirst branch 612 from the line 605. The first branch 612 includes afluid flow control device 614, such as, for example, a valve. The flowcontrol device 614 is configured to control, direct, allow, inhibit,prevent or otherwise regulate a flow of the thermal medium flowingthrough the first branch 612 to the first region 601. In someembodiments, the flow control device 614 may selectively open and/orclose to regulate the flow of the medium through the first branch 612.Further, the flow control device 614 may be configured to be normallyclosed and then opened as needed. In some embodiments, the flow controldevice 614 could be replaced or work with an in-line pump for variablecontrol. A commercially available pump may be used, such as, forexample, the Micro AC/DC Water Pump manufactured by Alita Industries,Inc., of Arcadia, Calif.

The first region 601 includes a heat transfer device 616, a fan 618 anda first thermal node 628 such as a seat in a vehicle. The thermal mediumwithin the first branch 612 is circulated to the heat transfer device616. The heat transfer device 616 is a heat exchanger or other similardevice configured to exchange heat between the thermal medium within thefirst branch 612 and air supplied by the fan 618 to the first thermalnode 628. For example, the heat transfer device 616 may have multiplefins coupled to the branch 612 through, on, around, or otherwise withinproximity of which the air flows. The thermal medium then flows throughand exits the heat transfer device 616 in the first branch 612 andreconnects with the main line 605, through which the thermal mediumreturns to the thermal energy source 604.

The heat transfer device 616 is m thermal communication (e.g., thermallycoupled or connected) with the first branch 612 such that the thermalmedium flowing through the first branch 612 thermally conditions afluid, such as air, flowing through an adjacent or conditioning line620, such as a duct, that is in thermal communication (e.g., thermallycoupled or connected) with the heat transfer device 616. As shown, theline 620 connects the fan 618 to the heat transfer device 616. The fan618 blows air through the line 620 such that it is thermally conditionedby the heat transfer device 616.

The temperature of the heat transfer device 616 depends on a set,predetermined, or desired temperature point for the first thermal node628. For instance, the controls 6, 8 of FIG. 1A may be used to set adesired temperature. Based on the set temperature, a particular amountof thermal power, i.e. thermal energy transfer with respect to time, maybe applied. For instance, for the first node 628, the temperature of theheat transfer device 616 may be set to be at twenty six degrees Celsius(26° C.) and to deliver sixty watts (60 W) of thermal power to the firstnode 628. Dedicated control valves, such as the flow control device 614,may be selectively opened and closed to regulate the temperature of theheat transfer device 616. In some embodiments, the temperature of theheat transfer device 616 may be limited to maintain condensationproduction below a predetermined amount that can be evaporated insidethe vehicle interior. The temperature limit may be bused on sensorsproviding data on ambient air temperature and/or humidity. The desiredtemperature may affect the working fluid temperature, e g the thermalmedium temperature, and the flow rate of the working fluid. Forinstance, the working fluid temperature and flow rate may depend on peakor total thermal power requirements. The temperature of the conditionedfluid, such as the air blown out from the first node 628 such as a seat,may depend on the desired temperature for the node 628. Further derailsof a control system that may be implemented are discussed herein, forexample with respect to FIG. 8.

The thermally conditioned air then flows from the heat transfer device616 and into the line 626 that thermally connects the heat transferdevice 616 to the first thermal node 628. The thermally conditioned airthen circulates through the first thermal node 628 and exits the firstthermal node 628 as shown. In this manner, a person near the firstthermal node 628, such as a person sitting on a seat, may receive coolair. For example, the first branch 612 may have cold thermal mediumflowing to the heat transfer device 616 such that the air blown by thefan 618 through the heat transfer device 616 via the line 620 is cooled.The cooled air then flows through the line 626 to the first thermal node628. The first thermal node 628 may include various parts of a singlecomponent. For instance, for a vehicle seat, the first thermal node 628may include the seat bottom portion 214 and/or the seat back portion 216of FIG. 2. In some embodiments, the first thermal node 628 may include afan, similar to the fan 618, therein to facilitate movement of theconditioned air through the node 628. Further, the first thermal node628 may be a vent that is located separate from the occupant and thatblows conditioned air towards the occupant. For example, the firstthermal node 628 may be a vent that is located separate from the seat.

In some embodiments, the first region 601 also includes a heater mat 630with the first thermal node 628. The heater mat 630 may be used toprovide heat to the first thermal node 628. The mat 630 may heat upconditioned or unconditioned air that is blown over and around the mat630. The mat 630 may be used to heat air which has been cooled to removemoisture to a desired temperature for conditioning the first thermalnode 628.

The first region 601 also includes various temperature sensors. Asshown, a first temperature sensor 622 is located at the heat transferdevice 616. The temperature sensor 622 senses the temperature of theheat transfer device 616 for diagnostic-operational purposes, forexample. If the temperature is too high or too low, adjustments may bemade to the bus 600, such as adjustments to the thermal energy source604 or maintenance or repairs to parts of the bus 600. A secondtemperature sensor 624 can be connected to the line 626 which extendsfrom the heat transfer device 616 to the first thermal node 628. Thesecond temperature sensor 624 senses the temperature of the fluid, suchas air, flowing through the line 626 for similar diagnostic operationalpurposes. This is merely one example of how various temperature sensorsmay be arranged for providing temperature feedback and control and othersuitable configures configurations may be implemented. Further, theremay be one, three or more such sensors located within the first region601. The temperature sensors 622, 624 may provide feedback to a controlsystem that can adjust the level of thermal conditioning provided, as isdiscussed in further detail herein, for example with respect to FIG. 8.

The first region 601 is shown as an “open loop air” system. However,other types of systems, such as a “closed loop air” system, or others asdiscussed herein, may be implemented. The second region 602 is shown assuch a “closed loop air” system. That is, the air used in the secondregion 602 is recirculated and reused within the second region 602 anddoes not leave the second region 602, as the air does in the “open loopair” first region 601.

The second region 602 is conditioned by the second branch 632 connectedto the line 605. The second branch 632 includes a fluid flow controldevice 634 such as, for example, a valve, which may be similar to theflow control device 614 in the first region 601 or may be a pump orother fluid moving device. The flow control device 634 controls,directs, allows, inhibits, prevents or otherwise regulates a flow of thethermal medium circulating through the second branch 632 and to thesecond region 602.

The second region 602 includes a heat transfer device 636, a fan 638 anda second node 648 such as, for example, a bin. The bin may be a storagecontainer, cooler, or the like. In some embodiments, the second node 648is the bin 510.

The heat transfer device 636 is a heat exchanger or similar deviceconfigured to transfer heat between the thermal medium within the secondbranch 632 and air circulated by the fan 638. The heat transfer device636 may be similar to the heat transfer device 616 in the first region601. As shown, the second branch 632 extends through and exits the heattransfer device 636 and reconnects with the line 605, which returns thethermal medium to the thermal energy source 604. Thermal mediumcirculates through the second branch 632 from the line 605 to the heattransfer device 636 and back to the line 605. The heat transfer device636 uses the thermal medium to thermally condition the second region602. The temperature of the heat transfer device 636 depends on a set,predetermined, or desired temperature point for the second thermal node628. For instance, the controls 6, 8 of FIG. 1A may be used to set adesired temperature. Based on the set temperature, a particular amountof thermal power, i.e. thermal energy transfer with aspect to time, maybe applied. For instance, the temperature of the heat transfer device636 for conditioning the second node 648 may be set to four degreesCelsius (4° C.) and to provide forty watts (40 W) of thermal power.Similar controls as described with respect to the first region 601 maybe implemented with the second region 602.

As shown, the fan 638 blows air through a line 640 connected to the heattransfer device 636. The air blown through the heat transfer device 636by the fan 638 via the line 640 is thermally conditioned by the heattransfer device 636 and then exits the heat transfer device 636 via theline 646. The line 646 thermally connects the heat transfer device 636to the second node 648, such as, for example, a bin. In this manner,thermally conditioned air circulated by the fan 638 reaches the secondnode 648 through the line 646. The second node 648 is also thermallyconnected to a line 650. The line 650 connects the second node 648 tothe fan 638, thereby completing a closed loop air circuit. In thismanner, thermally conditioned fluid such as air within the second node648 recirculates back through the second region 602 to the fan 638 viathe line 650. For example, the bin 510 may have thermally conditionedair therein recirculated hack through the second region 602 as discussedherein. Further, the second node 648 may include a fan, similar to thefan 638, therein to facilitate movement of the conditioned air throughthe node 648.

The second region 602 can also include various temperature sensors. Asshown, the second region 602 includes a first temperature sensor 642coupled with the heat transfer device 636. The first sensor 642 sensesthe temperature of the beat transfer device 636 for diagnostic purposes,similar to the temperature sensors 622, 624 described above with respectto the first region 601. The second region 602 can also include a secondtemperature sensor 644. The second temperature sensor 644 is connectedto the second node 648. The temperature sensor 644 senses thetemperature of the air inside the second node 648 for similar diagnosticpurposes. This is merely one example of how various temperature sensorsmay be arranged, and other suitable configurations may be implemented.The temperature sensors 642, 644 may provide feedback to a controlsystem that can adjust the level of thermal conditioning provided, as isdiscussed in further detail herein, for example with respect to FIG. 8.Feedback from the temperature sensors 642, 644 can be used by thecontrol system to determine whether an article has been placed in thesecond region 602 or, for example, a bin 510. For example, the controlsystem can detect a new article within the second region 602 based on achange or rate of change in the temperature sensed by the temperaturesensor 644. Articles at a temperature different than a temperature ofthe second region 602, for example a temperature of the air inside thesecond node 648, can cause a change or increase in a rate of change inthe temperature of the inside air.

The third region 603 is conditioned by the third branch 652 connected tothe line 605. The third branch 652 includes a fluid flow control device654 such as for example, a valve, which may be similar to the valves634, 614 or pumps in the other respective regions 602, 601. The fluidflow control device 654 may control, direct, allow, inhibit, prevent orotherwise regulate a flow of the thermal medium flowing through thethird branch 652 and to the third region 603.

The third region 603 includes a heat exchanger 656 and a third node 660such as, for example, one or more cup holders. The heat exchanger 656 isconnected to the line 605 via the third branch 652. Thermal medium flowsto and exits the heat exchanger 656 through the third branch 652. Thethird branch 652 reconnects with the line 605 and returns the thermalmedium to the thermal energy source 604.

The thermal medium flowing through the heat exchanger 656 is used tothermally condition the third node 660. As shown, the third node 660contacts the heat exchanger 656. Therefore, the third region 603 can beconditioned by conduction. That is, thermal conditioning is provided viaconduction of heat from the third node 660 to the heat exchanger 656.For example, coded thermal medium may flow through the third branch 652and to the heat exchanger 656. The cooled thermal medium in the heatexchanger 656 removes heat from the third node 660 by conduction,thereby cooling the third node 660. For example, the third node 660 maybe the cup holder 540 (see FIGS. 5D-5E) where the cup holder body 542 isconductively cooled to provide cooling within the cup holder cavity 544.Although the third region 603 is shown as a conductive system, it mayalso be implemented with other types of thermal systems, such as the“open loop air” system used in the first region 601, the “closed loopair” system used in the second region 602, or other systems. In someembodiments, the third node 660 may include a fan, similar to the fans618 or 638, therein to facilitate recirculation or other movement of airthrough the node 660.

The temperature of the heat transfer device 656 depends on a set,predetermined, or desired temperature point for the third thermal node660. For instance, the controls 6, 8 of FIG. 1A may be used to set adesired temperature. Based on the set temperature, a particular amountof thermal power, i.e. thermal energy transfer with respect to time, maybe applied. For instance, the temperature of the heat transfer device656 for conditioning the third node 660, may be set to four degreesCelsius (4° C.) and to provide twenty-five watts (25 W) of thermalpower. Similar controls as described with respect to the first and/orsecond regions 601, 602 may be implemented with the third region 603.

The third region 603 can also include various temperature sensors. Asshown, the third region 603 includes a temperature sensor 658 coupledwith the heat transfer device 656. The temperature sensor 658 may havesimilar features and functionality as the temperature sensors 622, 642.The temperature sensor 658 senses the temperature of the heat transferdevice 656 for diagnostic/operational purposes. The temperature sensor658 may provide feedback to a control system that can adjust the levelof thermal conditioning provided, as is discussed in further detailherein, for example with respect to FIG. 8.

Generally, the thermal bus 600 has been described with respect to asingle thermal energy source 604 for conditioning the various regions601, 602, 603. In some embodiments, the thermal bus 600 can be coupledwith a second heat source 670 and a second thermal bus 671 includingbranches through which a thermal medium flows. A pump 672 or other fluidmoving device can cause, control, pump, move, convey, direct, ofotherwise regulate a flow of the thermal medium. A fluid flow controldevice 674 such as, for example, a two-position control valve, caninhibit flow to one of the thermal buses 600, 671 while allowing flowthrough the other of the thermal buses 600, 671. In this way, each ofthe thermal buses can be dedicated to providing heating or cooling, andthe fluid flow control device 674 can be used to selectively use thethermal buses 600, 671 for independently servicing the various regions601, 602, 603 based on desired temperatures within the regions.

Heating may also be provided with a separate heater or heat source inother locations of the bus 600. For instance, a separate heater or heatsource may be implemented to be in thermal communication with the lines620 or 626 to provide heating to the first thermal node 628. In someembodiments, a fan such as the fan 618 or another separate fan, may runto move the heated air in the lines 620 or 626 to the first thermal node628. Further, the bus 600 may also be operated in conjunction with aseparate heat source, such as with the aforementioned separate heaterand/or with the heater mat 630. For instance, the thermal bus 600 may beoperated to condition or precondition (e.g. dry out the air) which maythen be moved to one or more of the separate heat sources to provideheating to the first thermal node 628.

The thermal bus 600 may also include a humidity sensor 662. The humiditysensor 662 senses a humidity of air, such as vehicle interior air, usedto condition the various regions 601, 602, 603. The sensor 662 may beused to adjust a temperature of the thermal medium within the main line605 and/or individual branches 612, 632, 652 of the bus 600 to preventexcessive condensate removal from the conditioning air.

Further, the various lines of the bus 600 may include insulation toprevent excessive condensation from forming on the lines. For instance,the line 605 may include insulation to prevent condensation from formingon the outside of line 605. The other lines in the bus 600 may likewiseinclude insulation. In some embodiments, commercially availableinsulated lines or bundles may be used, such as, for example, theParflex Multitube® manufactured by Parker Hannifin Corp. of Stafford,Tex., or the Point of Use tubing manufactured by Saint Clair Systems ofWashington, Mich.

In some embodiments, condensation may be removed using drain tubes. Thedrain tubes may route any condensation through one or more of thevehicle body drain plugs. Vehicles typically include one or more dramplugs to seal drain holes located in the vehicle underbody. The drainholes are used during vehicle manufacture, and they may be used in someembodiments here to route any condensation from the interior to outsidethe vehicle. In some embodiments, wicking type materials may be employedto remove condensate. In some embodiments, such materials may transportthe condensate to a warm section of the vehicle to facilitateevaporation.

FIG. 7 is a schematic of an embodiment of a miniature vapor compressionsystem 700 having a miniature vapor compressor 710. The system 700 maybe used in the system 1 of FIG. 1A such as to condition thermal mediumin the thermal bus 20 or 40, in the thermal bus 205 of FIG. 2 such aswith the thermal energy source 250, or in the thermal energy source 570of FIG. 5F. Circulating thermal media, such as a refrigerant, enters theminiature compressor 710 as a vapor, is compressed to a higher pressureand temperature, and exits the miniature compressor 710 as a superheatedvapor at a temperature and pressure at which it can be condensed.

The miniature compressor 710 is connected with a condenser 720 via aline 712. The miniature compressor 710 circulates the superheated vaporto the condenser 720 via the line 712. The compressed air is then cooledand condensed into a liquid by the condenser 720. Heat is thus rejectedfrom the medium in the condenser 720, and the medium becomes a saturatedliquid and vapor mixture.

The heat rejected by the condenser 720 may be controlled to reduce oreliminate heating of the vehicle from the rejected heat. In someembodiments, conditioned air from a central air conditioning system maybe ducted to the condenser 720 to cool it down. In some embodiments, theheat from the condenser 720 may be routed out of the vehicle. Forinstance, the condenser 720 may be thermally insulated and coupled witha duct, tubing, or the like, that extends to the exterior of thevehicle, such as to body vents in the trunk or doors of the vehicle. Thetubing may also include a one-way valve to allow the heated air to exitthe vehicle but present outside air from entering the vehicle throughthe tubing. The tubing, may also include a fan that can be selectivelyturned on or off to circulate the air. In some embodiments, the tubingmay extend to a radiator or fan at the front of the vehicle in theengine compartment. When the vehicle moves or when the fan is turned on,the air that passes through it may expel the heated air from the tubing.

The condenser 720 is connected to an expansion valve 730 via a line 714.The saturated liquid from the condenser 720 flows through the line 714to the expansion valve 730. The saturated liquid and vapor mixtureundergoes a reduction in pressure in the expansion valve 730 that lowersthe temperature of the mixture.

The expansion valve 730 is connected to an evaporator 740 by a line 716,which is connected back with the compressor 710 by a line 718. Theliquid and vapor mixture in the evaporator 740 evaporates and therebydraws in heat from the surroundings. A conductive plate 750, such as acold plate, is coupled to the evaporator 740. The cold plate 750 iscooled due to heat being drawn out of the conductive plate 750 by theevaporator 740.

The evaporator 740 may also be used to form part of a dehumidifier. Thedehumidifier may employ the evaporator 740 to cool intake air below itsdew point and supply dehumidified air to an air circuit, such as in the“open loop air” or “closed loop air” systems described herein.

In some embodiments, the evaporator 740 may act as a condenser toprovide heating when the direction of flow of the thermal medium isreversed. As shown in FIG. 7, the thermal medium flows counterclockwiseas illustrated by the arrowheads on lines 712, 714, and 718. However,the thermal medium may flow in the opposite direction, whereby the flowwould be in the clockwise direction as illustrated.

A second thermal medium circulates through the conductive plate 750 viaa line 752 and exits the conductive plate 750 via a line 754. In thismanner, the evaporator 740 and the conductive plate 750 together providethe thermal energy which may be used with another system, such as in thesystem 600. In some embodiments, the condenser 720 may instead be usedto provide heated thermal energy. For instance, the conductive plate 750or other heat transfer device may be provided with or near the condenser720.

The system 700 may be controlled by one or more thermal controls toregulate the temperatures of the various components in the vehicle thatare thermally conditioned. The controls, such as the controls 6, 8 ofFIG. 1A, may regulate the temperatures by controlling operation of thevapor compression system 700 and/or the thermal bus 600. The controlsmay also regulate heat exchange between the vapor compression system700, the thermal bus 600, and the various thermally conditionedcomponents. The controls may also adjust various system controlparameters, such as compressor speed, condenser and evaporatortemperatures, and temperature and flow rate of fluid circulating in thethermal bus 600. The controls regulate the temperatures based on inputs,such as vehicle occupant inputs, and based on feedback from varioussensors which measure these and other system parameters. The controlsmay sense condenser temperature and/or an ambient temperature at vehicleand/or system startup, and regulate operation based on the condensertemperature. For example, the controls may select a heating or coolingmode of operation and/or a heating or cooling profile, and/or regulate arate of heating or cooling. Further details of a control system that maybe implemented are discussed herein, for example with respect to FIG. 8.

The vapor compression system 700 may be used in the various thermalsystems described herein. For example, the vapor compression system 700may provide the thermal energy source 604 of FIG. 6. In someembodiments, the vapor compression system 700 is implemented within thethermal energy source 604. The vapor compression system 700 may be inthermal communication with the main line 605 of the thermal bus 600. Forexample, the lines 752 and 754 of the vapor compression system 700 maybe the line 605 of the thermal bus 600. The vapor compression system 700may also be used in other embodiments, for example in the first thermalenergy source 32 or second thermal energy source 52 of FIGS. 1A and 1B,in the thermal energy source 250 of FIG. 2, in the thermal energy source570 of FIG. 5A, or others. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the thermalenergy source 604 may use the evaporator 740 of the vapor compressionsystem 700, for example to provide cooling. In some embodiments, theheat source 670 may be the condenser 720 of the vapor compression system700, as discussed herein.

Therefore, there may be multiple thermal buses 600 and vapor compressionsystems 700 implemented in a single vehicle, each dedicated to servicingrespective components within respective regions. For example, the system1 of FIGS. 1A and 1B may include two thermal buses 600, one for each ofthe thermal zones 22, 42, with each thermal bus 600 including a vaporcompression system 700. In this manner, there may be multiple miniaturecompressors, such as the compressor 710, within a single vehicle.Therefore, in some embodiments, a segmented compression system may beembodied where there are multiple such miniature compressors eachservicing several thermal components in close proximity to thecompressor. Such an arrangement allows for a more efficient and lesscostly thermal system, as less thermal energy and infrastructure, forexample shorter fluid lines, is required to thermally service the nearbycomponents.

FIG. 8 is a schematic of an embodiment of a control system 800 forcontrolling the thermal output of a thermal bus. The control system 800may be coupled with and control various sensors and control devices. Thesensors provide feedback on the thermal state of various components, andthe control dev ices are used to adjust the provision of thermalconditioning accordingly (e.g., flow through or rate of a workingfluid).

As shown, the control system 800 may include a controller 805. Thecontroller 805 may include or be in electrical communication with thecontrol modules 6 or 8 from FIGS. 1A-1B, for instance for a user to setdesired temperature levels. The controller 805 may receive input fromthe control modules 6 or 8 and control one or more components in variousregions. As shown, the controller 805 may be coupled (e.g., inelectrical communication) with a first region 810, a second region 820,a third region 830 and/or a fourth region 840. The first region 810 maycorrespond to a thermal energy source, such as the thermal energy source604, or a vapor compression system, such as the vapor compression system700. The first region 810 may therefore include a miniature vaporcompressor 812 to which the controller 805 is electrically coupled. Thecontroller 805 may adjust the operation of the miniature vaporcompressor 812, for example by altering the speed of the working medium.This adjustment may be based on feedback from various sensors, eitherwithin the first region 810 or within the other regions 820, 830, 840.

The controller 805 can be further electrically coupled with and controlvarious components and sensors in the second region 820, including afluid flow control device 822, a fan 824, a heat transfer device 826,and temperature sensors 827 and 828. The temperature sensor 827 iscoupled (e.g., in thermal communication) with the heat transfer device826. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor 827 may correspond withthe first temperature sensor 622 and the heat transfer device 826 maycorrespond to the heat transfer device 616, for instance a heatexchanger, from the first region 601 of the thermal bus 600 shown inFIG. 6. The temperature sensor 828 may be coupled (e.g., in thermalcommunication) with a variety of features, including the various linesof the thermal conditioning system, such as the line 626 shown in FIG.6. The temperature sensors 827, 828 provide temperature feedback to thecontroller 805 for the respective devices to which the temperaturesensors 827, 828 are coupled. The controller 805 then analyzes thetemperature data, along with other operating parameters of informationsuch as a desired set temperature of a component, and if necessaryadjusts the operation of one or more devices, such as the fluid flowcontrol device 822 and/or the fan 824. The controller 805 may alsoadjust the operation of one or more devices in other regions, such aswithin the first, third or fourth regions 810, 810, 840. In someembodiments, the second region 820 may correspond to the first region601, and the various devices and sensors therein, of the thermal bus 600shown in FIG. 6.

The controller 805 can be further electrically coupled with and controlvarious components and sensors in the third region 830, including afluid flow control device 832, a fan 834, a heat transfer device 836,and temperature sensors 837 and 838. The interaction of the controller805 with the third region 830 may be similar to the interaction of thecontroller with the second region 820, as discussed above. Thetemperature sensor 837 is coupled (e.g., in thermal communication) withthe heat transfer device 836. In some embodiments, the temperaturesensor 837 may correspond with the first temperature senior 642 and theheat transfer device 836 may correspond to the heat transfer device 636,for instance a heat exchanger, from the second region 602 of the thermalbus 600 shown in FIG. 6. The temperature sensor 838 may be coupled(e.g., in thermal communication) with a variety of features, includingthe various nodes of the thermal conditioning system, such as the secondthermal node 648 shown in FIG. 6. The temperature sensors 837, 838provide temperature feedback to the controller 805 for the respectivedevices to which the temperature sensors 837, 838 are coupled. Thecontroller 805 then analyzes the temperature data, along with otheroperating parameters or information such as a desired set temperature ofa component, and if necessary adjusts the operation of one or moredevices, such as the fluid flow control device 832 and/or the fan 834.The controller 805 may also adjust the operation of one or more devicesin other regions, such as within the first, second or fourth regions810, 820, 840. In some embodiments, the third region 830 may correspondto the second region 602, and the various devices and sensors therein,of the thermal bus 600 shown in FIG. 6.

The controller 805 can be further electrically coupled with and controlvarious components and sensors in the fourth region 840, including afluid flow control device 842, a heat transfer device 844, andtemperature sensors 845 and 846. The interaction of the controller 805with the fourth region 840 may be similar to the interaction of thecontroller with the second region 820 and third region 830, as discussedabove. The temperature sensor 845 is coupled (e.g., in thermalcommunication) with the heat transfer device 844. In some embodiments,the temperature sensor 845 may correspond with the temperature sensor658 and the heat transfer device 844 may correspond to the heat transferdevice 656, for instance a heat exchanger, from the third region 603 ofthe thermal bus 600 shown in FIG. 6. The temperature sensor 846 may becoupled (e.g., in thermal communication) with a variety of features,including the various nodes of the thermal conditioning system, such asthe third thermal node 660 shown in FIG. 6. The temperature sensors 845,846 provide temperature feedback to the controller 805 for therespective devices to which the temperature sensors 845, 846 arecoupled. The controller 805 then analyzes the temperature data, alongwith other operating parameters or information such as a desired settemperature of a component, and if necessary adjusts the operation ofone or more devices, such as the fluid flow control device 842. Thecontroller 805 may also adjust the operation of one or more dev ices inother regions, such as within the first, second or third regions 810,820, 830. In some embodiments, the fourth region 840 may correspond tothe third region 603, and the various devices and sensors therein, ofthe thermal has 600 shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is a schematic of another embodiment of a thermal conditioningsystem 1400 for thermally servicing multiple components. The thermalconditioning system 1400 may be controlled using various control systemsand methods. The system 1400 may have the same or similar features asthe system 600 described herein, unless otherwise stated.

The system 1400 may have components that are analogous, i.e. have thesame and/or similar feature as, components of the system 600. As shown,the system 1400 may have a thermal energy source 1404, which may beanalogous to the thermal energy source 604. In some embodiments, thethermal energy source 1404 may be a chilling unit that cools thermalmedia inside the main line or circuit 1405, which may be analogous tothe line 605.

The system 1400 may have a coolant tank 1407, which may store coolant,such as a glycol. The tank 1407 may also be implemented with the system600 in FIG. 1, for example in between the thermal energy source 604 andthe pump 606 along the line 605. In FIG. 9, the line 1405 may beconnected to the tank 1407 on one end and on another end connect thetank 1407 to a pump 1472. The pump 1472 may be analogous to the pump606. The line 1405 may then continue to branches 1432, 1412 and 1452,which may be analogous, respectively, to branches 632, 612 and 652.

The branches 1432, 1412 and 1452 may contain valves 1434, 1414 and 1454,respectively, which may be analogously, respectively, to valves 634, 614and 654. The branch 1432 may connect to a first thermal node 1448, whichmay be analogous to the second thermal node 648. The first thermal node1448 may thermally condition a bin or other storage container. As shown,the first thermal node 1448 may contain a fan 1438 for providing thermalconditioning. The fan 1438 may be analogous to the fan 638 or 834.Further, any discussion herein of use of the fan 638 or 834, such as usewith the various control systems, methods and/or techniques describedherein, applies equally to the fan 1438, and vice versa. The branch 1432then continues and connects back with the main line 1405, which thenconnects back to the thermal energy source 1404.

The branch 1412 may connect to a heat transfer device 1416 that servicesa second thermal node 1428, which components may be analogous,respectively, to the heat transfer device 616 and the first thermal node628. The second thermal node 1428 may thermally condition one or moreseats or portions thereof. In some embodiments, the second thermal node1428 may include one or more fans 1418. As shown, there may be four fans1418. In some embodiments, each portion of a seat may use one of thefans 1418. For example, there may be two seats, each having twoportions, such as a bottom or cushion portion and a seatback portion. Asingle fan 1418 may be used for each of the four portions in thatexample. In some embodiments, them may be more or fewer than four fans1418 and distributed in a variety of configurations among the seats orportions thereof. The fans 1418 may be analogous to the fan 618 or 824.Further, any discussion herein of use of the fan 618 or 824, such usewith the various control systems, methods and/or techniques describedherein applies equally to the fan 1418, and vice versa. The branch 1412then continues and connects back with the main line 1405, which thenconnects back to the thermal energy source 1404.

The branch 1452 may connect to a heat transfer device 1456 that servicesa third and fourth thermal node 1460 and 1462. The heat transfer device1456 may be analogous to the heat transfer device 656. The third andfourth thermal nodes 1460 and 1462 may each be analogous to the firstthermal node 628. In some embodiments, the third and fourth thermalnodes 1460 and 1462 may be, respectively, first and second cup holders.As shown, the third thermal node 1460 may include one or more fans 1461,and the fourth thermal node 1462 may include one or more fans 1463.Thus, one difference between the system 1400 and the system 600 is thatthe system 1400 may use convection to provide thermal conditioning tocup holder components. Further, any discussion herein of use of a fanwith the third region 603 or the fourth region 840 may employ thearrangement as shown in the system 1400. In particular, any discussionherein of use of the various control systems, methods and/or techniquesdescribed herein to thermally condition one or more cup holdercomponents using one or more blowers, such as a fan, may employ thethird thermal node 1460 as the first cup holder and the fourth thermalnode 1462 as the second cup holder, along with corresponding fans 1461and 1463. The branch 1452 then continues and connects back with the mainline 1405, which then connects back to the thermal energy source 1404.

Further illustrated in FIG. 9 are various control points 1470, 1472,1474, 1476, 1478 and 1480. The control points indicate components of thesystem 1400 that may be controlled using any of the various controlsystems, methods and/or techniques described herein, in someembodiments, the control point 1470 may be controlled for instance tocontrol a thermal energy source. For example, a compressor speed may beadjusted Other components of the thermal energy source may be controlledTherefore, any discussion herein of control of the thermal energy sourceor components thereof may be performed by applying the various controlsystems, methods and/or techniques described herein to the control point1470.

In some embodiments, the control point 1472 may be controlled forinstance to control a pump. For example, a pump speed may be adjustedTherefore, any discussion herein of control of a pump may be performedby applying the various control systems, methods and/or techniquesdescribed herein to the control point 1472.

In some embodiments, the control point 1474 may be controlled forinstance to control one or more valves. For example, a valve may beopened or closed. Therefore, any discussion herein of control of a valvemay be performed by applying the various control systems, methods and/ortechniques described herein to the control point 1474.

In some embodiments, the control point 1476 may be controlled forinstance to control thermal conditioning of a first thermal node orcomponents thereof. For example, one or more blower speeds may beadjusted for controlling thermal conditioning of a bin Other componentsof the first thermal node may be controlled. Therefore, any discussionherein of control of a first thermal node or components thereof may beperformed by applying the various control systems, methods and/ortechniques described herein to the control point 1476.

In some embodiments, the control point 1478 may be controlled forinstance to control thermal conditioning of a second thermal node orcomponents thereof. For example, one or more blower speeds may beadjusted for controlling thermal conditioning of a seat. Othercomponents of the second thermal node may be controlled. Therefore, anydiscussion herein of control of a second thermal node or componentsthereof may be performed by applying the various control systems,methods and/or techniques described herein to the control point 1478.

In some embodiments, the control point 1480 may be controlled forinstance to control thermal conditioning of a third and/or fourththermal node or components thereof. For example, one or more blowerspeeds may be adjusted for controlling thermal conditioning of one ormore cup holders. Other components of the third and/or fourth thermalnodes may be controlled. Therefore, any discussion herein of control ofa third and/or fourth thermal node or components thereof may beperformed by applying the various control systems, methods and/ortechniques described herein to the control point 1480.

While there has been illustrated and described what are presentlyconsidered to be example embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various other modifications may be made, andequivalents may be substituted, without departing from claimed subjectmatter. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt aparticular situation to the teachings of claimed subject matter withoutdeparting from the central concept described herein. Therefore, it isintended that claimed subject matter not be limited to the particularembodiments disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter may alsoinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims,and equivalents thereof.

It is contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of thespecific features and aspects of the embodiments disclosed above may bemade and still fall within one or more of the inventions. Further, thedisclosure herein of any particular feature, aspect, method, property,characteristic, quality, attribute, element, or the like in connectionwith an embodiment can be used in all other embodiments set forthherein. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features andaspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substitutedfor one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosedinventions. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the presentinventions herein disclosed should not be limited by the particulardisclosed embodiments described above. Moreover, while the inventionsare susceptible to various modifications, and alternative forms,specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are hereindescribed in detail. It should be understood, however, that theinventions are not to be limited to the particular forms or methodsdisclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the various embodiments described and the appended claimsAny methods disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited.

The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all overlap,sub-ranges, and combinations thereof language such as “up to,” “atleast,” “greater than,” “less than,” “between,” and the like includesthe number recited. Numbers preceded by a term such as “approximately”,“about”, and “substantially” as used herein include the recited numbers,and also represent an amount close to the stated amount that stillperforms a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example,the terms “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” may refer to anamount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, withinless than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and within less than 0.01% ofthe stated amount. Features of embodiments disclosed herein preceded bya term such as “approximately”, “about”, and “substantially” as usedherein represent the feature with some variability that still performs adesired function or achieves a desired result for that feature.

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singularterms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from theplural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as isappropriate to the context and/or application. The varioussingular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sakeof clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, termsused herein, are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term“including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” theterm “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term“includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,”etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if aspecific number of an introduced embodiment recitation is intended, suchan intent will be explicitly recited in the embodiment, and in theabsence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as anaid to understanding, the disclosure may contain usage of theintroductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduceembodiment recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not beconstrued to imply that the introduction of an embodiment recitation bythe indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular embodimentcontaining such introduced embodiment recitation to embodimentscontaining only one such recitation, even when the same embodimentincludes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” andindefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” shouldtypically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); thesame holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduceembodiment recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of anintroduced embodiment recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled inthe air will recognize that such recitation should typically beinterpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the barerecitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typicallymeans at least two recitations, or two or more recitations).Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “atleast one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a constructionis intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understandthe convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C”would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone,C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A,B, and C together, etc.) In those instances where a convention analogousto “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such aconstruction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art wouldunderstand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B,or” would include hut not be limited to systems that have A alone, Balone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together,and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood bythose within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrasepresenting, two or more alternative terms, whether in the description,embodiments, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate thepossibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, orboth terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood toinclude the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

Although the present subject mailer has been described herein in termsof certain embodiments, and certain exemplary methods, it is to beunderstood that the scope of the subject matter is not to be limitedthereby. Instead, the Applicant intends that variations on the methodsand materials disclosed herein which are apparent to those of skill inthe art will fall within the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

What is claimed is:
 1. A thermal conditioning system for providingheating and cooling to multiple thermal regions of a vehicle, the systemcomprising: a fluid circuit configured to circulate a first workingfluid in the fluid circuit; a thermal energy source in thermalcommunication with the fluid circuit, the thermal energy sourceconfigured to selectively heat and cool the first working fluid in thefluid circuit, wherein the thermal energy source is separate from aheating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the vehicle;a first conduit in fluid communication with the fluid circuit, the firstconduit configured to convey at least some of the first working fluid inthe first conduit; a first heat transfer device in thermal communicationwith the first conduit; a first thermal region, wherein the first heattransfer device is in thermal communication with the first thermalregion and heats or cools the first thermal region via thermal energytransferred from or to the at least some of the first working fluid inthe first conduit; a second conduit in fluid communication with thefluid circuit, the second conduit configured to convey at least some ofthe first working fluid in the second conduit; a second heat transferdevice in thermal communication with the second conduit; a secondthermal region, wherein the second heat transfer device is in thermalcommunication with the first thermal region and heats or cools thesecond thermal region via thermal energy transferred from or to the atleast some of the first working fluid in the second conduit.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the first thermal region comprises a seat,wherein the first heat transfer device is in thermal communication withthe seat and heats or cools the seat via thermal energy transferred fromor to the at least some of the first working fluid in the first conduit.3. The system of claim 2, wherein the second thermal region comprises anoccupant area of the vehicle, wherein the second heat transfer device isin thermal communication with the occupant area and heats or cools theoccupant area via thermal energy transferred from or to the at leastsome of the first working fluid in the second conduit.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a third conduit in thermal communicationwith the first heat transfer device and the first thermal region,wherein the first heat transfer device transfers thermal energy betweenthe first conduit and the third conduit.
 5. The system of claim 4,wherein the first thermal region comprises a fan configured to conveyair in the third conduit, wherein the air is heated or cooled viathermal energy transferred from or to the first working fluid in thesecond conduit by the second heat transfer device.
 6. The system ofclaim 5, wherein the first thermal region comprises a seat.
 7. Thesystem of claim 5, wherein the first thermal region comprises an openloop air system.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the second thermalregion comprises an occupant area of the vehicle, wherein the secondheat transfer device is in thermal communication with the occupant areaand heats or cools the occupant area via thermal energy transferred fromor to the at least some of the first working fluid in the secondconduit.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the second thermal regioncomprises a fan and a vent that are configured to blow conditioned airtowards the occupant area.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the secondthermal region comprises a closed loop air system.
 11. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a fourth conduit in thermal communicationwith the second heat transfer device and the second thermal region,wherein the second heat transfer device transfers thermal energy betweenthe second conduit and the fourth conduit.
 12. The system of claim 11,wherein the second thermal region comprises a fan configured to conveyair in the fourth conduit, wherein the air is heated or cooled viathermal energy transferred from or to the first working fluid in thesecond conduit by the second heat transfer device.
 13. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the second thermal region comprises an occupant areaof the vehicle.
 14. The system of claim 13, further comprising a vent,wherein the fan and vent are configured to blow the air towards theoccupant area.
 15. The system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the fluidcircuit is in thermal communication with an evaporator of the thermalenergy source and another portion of the line is in thermalcommunication with a condenser of the thermal energy source.
 16. Thesystem of claim 15, further comprising a valve configured to controlwhich portion of the fluid circuit receives the working fluid.
 17. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising: a first flow control deviceconfigured to regulate flow of the first working fluid through the firstconduit; and a second flow control device configured to regulate flow ofthe first working fluid through the second conduit.
 18. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the first working fluid is a liquid.
 19. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising: a pump configured to circulate the firstworking fluid through the fluid circuit; and a flow sensor coupled withthe fluid circuit and configured to detect a flow of the first workingfluid pumped through the fluid circuit.
 20. The system of claim 1,further comprising a first temperature sensor in the first thermalregion and a second thermal sensor in the second thermal region, whereinthe thermal energy source is configured to be adjusted based on one ormore temperatures detected by the first or second sensor.
 21. The systemof claim 1, further comprising a control system configured to adjust anoutput of heating or cooling provided to the first or second thermalregion.
 22. The system of claim 1, further comprising a heat sourceseparate from the HVAC system of the vehicle and configured to heat thefirst working fluid.
 23. The system of claim 1, further comprising another thermal energy source separate from the HVAC system of the vehicleand in selective thermal communication with the first thermal region.24. The system of claim 23, wherein the other thermal energy source isin selective thermal communication with the first thermal region via thefluid circuit.
 25. The system of claim 23, wherein the other thermalenergy source is configured to heat the first thermal region via heatingthe at least some of the first working fluid conveyed in the firstconduit.
 26. A thermal conditioning system for providing heating andcooling to multiple thermal regions of a vehicle, the system comprising:a fluid circuit configured to circulate a first working fluid in thefluid circuit; a first thermal energy source in thermal communicationwith the fluid circuit, the first thermal energy source configured toselectively heat the first working fluid in the fluid circuit, whereinthe first thermal energy source is separate from a heating, ventilationand air conditioning (HVAC) system of the vehicle; a second thermalenergy source in thermal communication with the fluid circuit, thesecond thermal energy source configured to selectively cool the firstworking fluid in the fluid circuit, wherein the second thermal energysource is separate from the HVAC system of the vehicle; a first conduitin fluid communication with the fluid circuit, the first conduitconfigured to convey at least some of the first working fluid in thefirst conduit; a first heat transfer device in thermal communicationwith the first conduit; a first thermal region, wherein the first heattransfer device is in thermal communication with the first thermalregion and heats or cools the first thermal region via thermal energytransferred from or to the at least some of the first working fluid inthe first conduit; a second conduit in fluid communication with thefluid circuit, the second conduit configured to convey at least some ofthe first working fluid in the second conduit; a second heat transferdevice in thermal communication with the second conduit; a secondthermal region, wherein the second heat transfer device is in thermalcommunication with the first thermal region and heats or cools thesecond thermal region via thermal energy transferred from or to the atleast some of the first working fluid in the second conduit.
 27. Thesystem of claim 26, wherein the first thermal region comprises a seat,wherein the first heat transfer device is in thermal communication withthe seat and heats or cools the seat via thermal energy transferred fromor to the at least some of the first working fluid in the first conduit.28. The system of claim 27, wherein the second thermal region comprisesan occupant area of the vehicle, wherein the second heat transfer deviceis in thermal communication with the occupant area and heats or coolsthe occupant area via thermal energy transferred from or to the at leastsome of the first working fluid in the second conduit.
 29. The system ofclaim 26, further comprising: a third conduit in thermal communicationwith the first heat transfer device and the first thermal region,wherein the first heat transfer device transfers thermal energy betweenthe first conduit and the third conduit, wherein the first thermalregion comprises a first fan configured to convey first air in the thirdconduit, wherein the first air is heated or cooled via thermal energytransferred from or to the first working fluid in the second conduit bythe second heat transfer device, and wherein the first thermal regioncomprises a seat.
 30. The system of claim 29, further comprising: afourth conduit in thermal communication with the second heat transferdevice and the second thermal region, wherein the second heat transferdevice transfers thermal energy between the second conduit and thefourth conduit, wherein the second thermal region comprises a second fanconfigured to convey second air in the fourth conduit, wherein thesecond air is heated or cooled via thermal energy transferred from or tothe first working fluid in the second conduit by the second heattransfer device, and wherein the second thermal region comprises anoccupant area of the vehicle; and a vent, wherein the second fan andvent are configured to blow the second air towards the occupant area.